Staff report

Agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Friday night at Lakewood Park.

Preliminary information indicates that at around 7:45 p.m., deputies with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department were attempting to serve an arrest warrant for Eric Thurman (born on Sept. 18, 1982), according to the TBI.

“They located him in a tent in the 400 block of Spring Circle in the Lakewood Community. For reasons still under investigation, Thurman cut a deputy in his chest and in his hand with a machete. Another deputy discharged his firearm, striking Thurman. Deputies rendered first aid to Thurman who was later pronounced deceased. The deputy was transported to a local hospital for treatment,” the TBI said in a release.

TBI agents are working to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the District Attorney General for his further review and consideration.

The TBI acts solely as fact-finders in its cases and does not determine whether the actions of an officer were justified in these types of matters. That decision rests with the District Attorney General requesting TBI’s involvement. 

The TBI does not identify the officers involved in these types of incidents. The injured deputy was identified as Sgt. Butch Stewart.

“Sgt. Investigator Ray “Butch” Stewart, Investigator Alex Bell and Sgt. Matt Miller were attempting to serve an arrest warrant on a man on Spring Circle in Lakewood Park Beechgrove, Coffee County. The man came at and struck Sgt. Stewart with a machete a number of times in the chest area and outer left hand,” Partin said.

“The left hand received the worst blow from the attacker due to Ray defending himself. Sgt. Miller was able to neutralize this attack quickly. Many other members of Coffee County Sheriff’s Office were close by and extracted Sgt. Stewart from the scene and transported him directly to the hospital in Manchester. Remaining personal rendered CPR and all available lifesaving measures to the individual until EMS could arrive.

The TBI and District Attorneys office were notified and responded to the scene to investigate this incident.

“This is our job. This is what we do. This is what we signed on for. We take the oath to protect and serve. This is exactly what happened. This is exactly what we will continue to do,” Partin said.

“Remember Sgt. Matt Miller and Inv. Alex Bell as we continue to support them and their families,” Partin said.