CROCKETT Co. Tenn (March 16, 2017) – Tennessee Bureau Investigation Agents continue to look into the circumstances surrounding an officer-involved shooting that occurred Thursday afternoon near Alamo in Crockett County, Tennessee.
According to TBI spokesperson Josh Devine, preliminary information indicates the incident began shortly around 2:15 PM, when a man, identified as 36-year-old Rodney James Hess of New Orleans, LA, parked his SUV on the off ramp from Highway 412 East to Highway 88 East perpendicular to traffic.
Devine said according to the investigation, a Crockett County deputy responded to the scene and determined he needed back-up support. Several additional officers soon arrived to the scene and reported the subject was refusing officer commands and making erratic statements. According to statements, Hess, allegedly at one point, attempted to use his vehicle to strike the officers.
During the escalation of events, Devine said, at some point at least one Crockett County deputy fired his service weapon through the front windshield of the vehicle striking Hess.
Hess was airlifted to The Med in Memphis where he subsequently died from his injuries. No law enforcement officers sustained injuries in the incident.
Ronald Hess was Facebook video streaming at least part of the incident with officers. Hess can be heard asking for “higher command” to come to the scene. The officers response can’t be clearly understood. Hess puts his vehicle in gear and gunfire can be heard. Hess is heard screaming and then the phone falls to the floor.
The video is posted at WNWS Newstalk 101.5FM Facebook page THE VIDEO IS GRAPHIC.
An earlier video shows Hess in the area of the incident. He can be seen out of his vehicle walking and sometimes in the road. At one point a passerby stops and asks if Hess needs help but he tells them he does not. He can be seen at times in his vehicle perpendicular and partially obstructing traffic. He appears calm but there is no explanation for why he is stopped and why he blocks traffic.
Hess’s family has posted a video asking for a full investigation.
Devine says the TBI has a team of Agents and Forensic Scientists working to gather any and all relevant details. The decision as to whether the deputy’s actions were justified rests solely with the District Attorney General of the 28th District, Garry Brown.
