Cumberland County sheriff’s deputies responded to a call of a suicidal man on Muddy Branch Lane Monday evening. Deputies found 56-year-old Jesse Spivey sitting on the front porch of the home with a gun to his head, threatening to kill himself.

Deputies set up a perimeter and began negotiating with Spivey to put his weapon down and surrender to law enforcement.

EMS was staged nearby, with a helicopter on standby, in case medical attention became necessary. Crossville police also responded to help maintain order.

At one point, Spivey attempted to light a cigarette with the gun in his hand; the firearm discharged, but no one was injured.

During negotiations, Spivey agreed to surrender if he were permitted to speak on the phone to unspecified individuals. Spivey put the weapon inside the house and returned to the porch, where he was taken into custody without further incident.

EMS took Spivey to Cumberland Medical Center for a mental-health evaluation.

A family member stated to authorities that Spivey had pushed someone in the home down, placed his foot on the person’s chest, pulled a knife and threatened the victim with it.

Upon his release shortly before 9 this morning, Spivey was taken to the Cumberland County Jail and charged with aggravated domestic assault and reckless endangerment. Spivey remains jailed on $27,000 bond, awaiting an April 29 court date.