On April 16, 2026, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Cookeville Police Department investigators, assisted by the department’s SWAT team due to the suspect’s known possession of firearms, executed a Criminal Court Indictment at a residence on 2452 N. Washington Avenue. Officers announced their presence and ordered 37-year-old Emery Dean Hannah to open the door, but he refused and barricaded himself inside.

Authorities then used a tactical rescue vehicle to breach the door and deployed chemical irritants, prompting Hannah to exit and surrender without any injuries to officers or nearby residents. Hannah was transported to the Putnam County Jail, where he was served with a Class B felony indictment for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor involving over 100 images.

A firearm was recovered at the scene, and additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues. The Cookeville Police Department emphasized its commitment to protecting local children and urged the public to report any incidents involving the possession, distribution, receipt, or production of child sexual abuse material to the department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 931-520-5265 or through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s CyberTipline at www.cybertipline.com.