CROSSVILLE MAN FACES AGGRAVATED ASSAULT AND EVIDENCE TAMPERING CHARGES FOLLOWING JULY SHOOTING INCIDENT
A Crossville man is scheduled for arraignment in the Cumberland County Circuit Court on October 27, 2026, facing felony charges connected to a shooting incident earlier this summer.
Justin Christopher Harstick, 39, has been formally charged with Aggravated Assault and Tampering with Evidence, according to court documents filed on October 20, 2026. He is currently out on a $70,000 surety bond through Huckabee Bonding.
Incident Details
According to an affidavit of complaint filed by Investigator Mitchell Ward of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, the charges stem from an incident on the morning of July 8, 2026.
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The Approach: Investigators state that surveillance footage captured a silver Chevrolet Equinox with Harstick in the front passenger seat and an unidentified juvenile male in the rear—arriving at a residence on Dave Garrett Road around 5:00 a.m. The vehicle’s license plate was reportedly covered by a fabric object.
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The Exchange of Gunfire: The homeowner and victim told authorities that he recognized the vehicle and was aware of a previous disagreement between the parties. The victim reported that he fired an initial warning shot telling the masked individuals to leave, but after seeing a masked assailant point a firearm in his direction, he began firing toward the vehicle. Investigators noted that gunfire was returned from the suspects.
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The Aftermath: Surveillance footage subsequently showed three individuals—identified by police as Harstick, the driver, and the juvenile—running to the end of the driveway. The affidavit states that Harstick was seen holding a firearm as he reached the end of the driveway.
Harstick’s arraignment is set for October 27, 2026, at the Cumberland County Circuit Court.
