Maryville police identify man killed in early morning shootout
By Iva Butler | (ivab@thedailytimes.com)
A 27-year-old Maryville man who police say initiated a
shootout with law enforcement officers early this morning was shot on East Broadway Avenue in the
1800 block and later died at University of Tennessee Medical
Center.
During a press conference this afternoon at Maryville Police
Department, Chief Tony Crisp identified the man as Theodore Jones
IV.
Earlier in the day, Stephanie Kirk, of Maryville, contacted The
Daily Times and identified herself as the man's sister, identifying him as Lance Cpl. Theodore
Jones IV. She released the following statement: "On behalf of the family, we would appreciate your
thoughts and prayers at this time. We would also appreciate your respecting our privacy while we
deal with the loss and notify family."
Crisp said police received a call at 2:39
a.m. reporting shots being fired in the area of Jett Road off East Broadway
Avenue.
A second call came in immediately after that from a driver saying
he was shot at by a subject near Lowe’s Drug and Helen Ross McNabb Center on East Broadway Avenue,
Crisp said. The driver said three shots had been fired at his vehicle and the chief said further
investigation revealed the car had been struck three times.
Officers
shifted the search area to between 5th and 6th streets on East
Broadway.
An officer driving east on East Broadway was fired upon and
then police established a perimeter of the area and attempted to locate the man. The suspect
was observed carrying a pistol at 1811 E. Broadway Ave. and was seen forcibly entering a former
flower shop at that location.
“While in the building he shot at
officers through a side window. He later exited the front of the building with a firearm and then
retreated back into the building," Crisp told The Daily Times. "Once again he entered out the
front of the building into East Broadway with a firearm.
“The man ignored
officers verbal commands to drop his weapon," the Maryville police chief said. "He was a
threat to the safety of the officers and Maryville Police Department (officers) and one Blount
County deputy shot the perpetrator."
During this afternoon's press
conference, Crisp said the two Maryville officers had been placed on administrative
leave.
“The man was transported to University of Tennessee Medical
Center where he died as a result of his injuries,” Crisp said.
For
more on this story, pick up a copy of Friday's print edition of The Daily Times, or subscribe to our
E-edition.
