DEKALB COUNTY DEPUTIES CLEARED IN FATAL SHOOTING OF GARY ASHFORD
On October 4, 2025, a deadly officer-involved shooting occurred in Alexandria, Tennessee, resulting in the death of 48-year-old Gary Ray Ashford. Following the incident, DeKalb County Sheriff Patrick Ray placed the two involved deputies on paid administrative leave, as is standard procedure.
After consultation with District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway and a review of body camera footage, the deputies were cleared of any wrongdoing and reinstated to their regular duties, though the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) continues to investigate. Sheriff Ray stated that the deputies acted within the law and their training. The body camera footage revealed that a deputy arrived at Ashford’s home to serve a no-bond failure-to-appear warrant.
After Ashford refused to open the door despite being identified and engaged in conversation, a second deputy arrived, and they made a forcible entry. Ashford, who had locked himself in his bedroom, shouted aggressively and charged at the deputies with an open-bladed utility knife, ignoring repeated commands to drop the weapon. When he charged again, coming within five feet of the deputies while brandishing the knife, both officers fired their weapons in self-defense, fearing imminent serious bodily injury or death.
The deputies immediately called for backup and EMS, attempting to render aid, but Ashford was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other individuals in the home did not witness the confrontation, and no misuse of force was reported against them.
Sheriff Ray declined to release the body camera footage out of respect for Ashford’s family and condemned misinformation and rumors on social media, emphasizing that the incident could have been avoided had Ashford complied with the deputies’ lawful orders.
He urged the community to refrain from speculative comments that harm families and the community.
