Deputies John Smith and James Johnson Injured in Rockford Shooting – Suspect in Custody, Officer-Involved Shooting Under Investigation
Deputies John Smith and James Johnson, two dedicated members of the Blount County Sheriff’s Office, were injured in a shooting incident on Old Knoxville Highway in Rockford, Tennessee, on June 11, 2024. The deputies were responding to a call when they were shot and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. They are currently receiving treatment at the University of Tennessee Medical Center and are in stable condition.
A suspect is now in custody, and the threat has been lifted. The shelter-in-place order in the Jacob Springs area has been lifted, and residents are no longer advised to stay indoors. Old Knoxville Highway between the Rockford red light and Little Brook remains closed, and motorists are advised to find an alternate route.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has taken over the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. The TBI is working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and will release more information as the investigation progresses.
Deputies Smith and Johnson were transported to the hospital in patrol cars, and their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. The suspect was airlifted to a nearby hospital by LifeStar, and their condition is unknown.
Numerous law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, including the Blount County Sheriff’s Office, the Rockford Police Department, and the TBI. EMS services were also on the scene, and gunfire was reported in the area.
Residents in the Jacob Springs area were advised to stay indoors during the incident, but the shelter-in-place order has since been lifted. The incident is not connected to the nearby Rockford Elementary School, and officials have confirmed that there is no threat to the school or its students.
The investigation into the officer-involved shooting is ongoing, and more information will be released as it becomes available. Deputies Smith and Johnson are expected to make a full recovery, and the suspect will face charges related to the shooting.
The incident has left the community shaken, but grateful that no lives were lost. The Blount County Sheriff’s Office has asked for privacy for the deputies and their families during this time.
The shooting incident has raised questions about officer safety and the risks that law enforcement officers face every day. The incident is a reminder of the bravery and dedication of law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to protect their communities.
As the investigation continues, more details will emerge about the incident and the suspect. For now, the community comes together to support Deputies Smith and Johnson and their families.
The incident has been met with an outpouring of support from the community, with many offering prayers and well wishes for the deputies and their families. The Blount County Sheriff’s Office has expressed gratitude for the support and has asked for privacy during this time.
The investigation is ongoing, and more information will be released as it becomes available. For now, the community breathes a sigh of relief that the incident did not result in any fatalities and that the deputies are expected to make a full recovery.
