Ken Baldwin, District Attorney General, released information regarding a shooting involving two Elizabethton Police Officers. Baldwin states that on September 15, Officer James Deese and Officer Jesse Richardson of the Elizabethton Police Department responded to a suspicious person call in the vicinity of Academy Street in Elizabethton. Upon arrival, a foot pursuit with the suspect, later identified as Jeffrey Gibble, and the officers occurred. During the foot pursuit, Gibble fell to the ground at which time Officer Deese attempted to restrain the suspect. Gibble fired shots at the officers and officers returned fire, striking the suspect, which resulted in his death.

Baldwin states, “I met with the TBI Agent earlier this week concerning this incident and also spoke with Chief Jason Shaw of the Elizabethton Police Department. After reviewing the evidence and TBI case file, there is no evidence to warrant any criminal activity on the part of the officers involved. This is a tragic situation that resulted in death.” Baldwin also states that he feels the Elizabethton Police Department is taking appropriate measures as set forth in the department’s general orders pertaining to this type of situation. “I appreciate the thorough investigation by the TBI and the cooperation of the Elizabethton Police Department.”