Last Updated on January 16, 2025 3:46 pm
An officer-involved shooting has left one man dead and a police K9 injured.
Just before 10:30 pm on Wednesday, deputies from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Carter County Sheriff’s Office, responded to a residence in the 300 block of Cross Mountain Road in Mountain City, according to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO).
They were at that location to execute a search warrant concerning an investigation involving 39-year-old Alexander James Russom.
Preliminary information indicates that when deputies encountered Russom, he fired shots. Both Johnson County and Carter County deputies returned fire, striking Russom, according to JCSO.
He was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. A Johnson County K9 was also shot during the incident and was transported to a veterinary emergency clinic for treatment.
No other deputies were injured, during this incident, the Investigation is ongoing.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is handling the Investigation into the incident and said in a statement, “TBI agents are working to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the District Attorney General for his further review and consideration. The TBI acts solely as fact-finders in its cases and does not determine whether the actions of an officer were justified in these types of matters. That decision rests with the District Attorney General requesting TBI’s involvement. “
Mugshot from a December 16, 2024 arrest.
