Knox County TN deputy killed in the line of duty
Knox County TN October 3 2023 A Tennessee deputy has died nearly a day after he was shot during a domestic disturbance late Sunday.
Knox County Sheriff’s Deputy Tucker Blakely, 29, and other deputies were responding to a domestic incident at 11:30 p.m., and Blakely was caught in a shootout with a 30-year-old armed suspect, who was fatally shot and died at the scene, WATE-TV reports.
On Monday evening, Sheriff Tom Spangler announced that Blakely had died from his serious injuries.
“I want to make it clear that Officer Blakely is a hero,” said Spangler during a press conference. “He lived as a hero, and he died a hero.”
Blakely was a military veteran, and he graduated from the academy in 2021. He is survived by his wife and 5-year-old son, and his brother is Maynardville’s mayor.
“Tucker was on his last patrol detachment. He had just been selected to be a K-9 handler and had just picked up his dog,” said Spangler. “He was moving on in his career and looking to have a different tool.”
A prayer vigil was held on Monday outside the hospital where Blakely was transported.
“I ask this community, I ask you all to please, please keep Officer Blakely’s family in your thoughts,” said Spangler.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is looking into the incident.
