At the request of 9th District Attorney General Russell Johnson, TBI agents are investigating the circumstances leading to an officer-involved shooting yesterday in Morgan County.

Preliminary information indicates at approximately 5:30 p.m. eastern, deputies with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call of reports of a man with a gun on the 200 block of Coal Hill Road. When law enforcement arrived, they encountered 22-year-old Paul Crass of Harriman who was armed, resulting in a standoff. As part of a mutual aid agreement, deputies with the Roane County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist.

During the confrontation, Crass reportedly discharged his firearm resulting in deputies returning fire and striking him. Crass was transported to a hospital for treatment.  No officers were injured during the incident.

At this time, the investigation remains active and ongoing, as TBI agents continue to gather any and all relevant evidence, interviews, and information. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the District Attorney General for his further review and consideration.

The TBI does not identify the officers involved in these types of incidents and, instead, refers questions of that nature to their respective departments to answer as they see fit.

As a reminder, 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 solely with the District Attorney General requesting TBI’s involvement.