SMITHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A chase for a homicide suspect ended in Smithville Thursday night with the man apprehended and a district attorney allegedly firing shots in the process.
This happened as a result of the authorities finding three bodies in Warren County on Wednesday near the McMinnville city limits. Sheriff's officials said they recovered the bodies of William Piechocniski, Dana Ramsden, and Otis Hawks, II.
Investigators were able to arrest one of the suspects, Jessica Root, without incident. The second suspect, Caleb Brookins, was spotted in DeKalb County.
Downtown Smithville was shut down much of Thursday evening while police tried to locate Brookins. That is when DA Chris Stanford fired shots during the pursuit of Brookins while he drove away.
This was around 3:45 p.m., and the local chief said civilians were in the area. No one was hit.
"Unbelievable that Warren County's DA Chris Stanford is running around with the police shooting at police," Smithville mayor Josh Miller wrote on Facebook. "If he's going to do such a thing, he needs to be more confident in his shooting skills. Mr. Stanford should leave the police work to the trained professionals."
Later in an interview with NewsChannel 5, Mayor Miller said Smithville Police were not given any warning that Warren County law enforcement were in their community looking for suspects.
"Even if they did not want our help, I think we should have known. I think it’s a respect thing," said Miller. "If you pull the trigger, you’re going to be responsible for that bullet. Any police officer, I think, will tell you that. And I’ve been told that they don’t know where those bullets went."
Later, Stanford clarified that they gave a warning to the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is now investigating Stanford's role in firing a weapon during a police pursuit.
In the chaos of trying to pursue the suspects, Hannah Rose was arrested for aggravated assault and attempting to evade law enforcement. She allegedly struck the vehicle of a Homeland Security agent. She was allegedly driving the car where Brookins was a passenger during the police chase. The officer was injured and taken to a hospital in DeKalb County.
Authorities said Brookins fled on foot but was taken into custody a couple of hours later without incident by the TBI. Brookins was found near Bell Street on Wade Street walking down the road. He was unarmed.
Brookins and Root became primary homicide suspects after police discovered a theft of property from those who died.
"Leads were quickly developed and the investigation led us to locations in Nashville and Memphis," Warren County Sheriff Jackie Matheny said. "Evidence of theft of property that belonged to at least one of the deceased individuals was found in both Nashville and Memphis. The identification of the suspects was confirmed through the evidence found in these cities."
Stanford responds
In a lengthy response from District Attorney Stanford. He says, under Tennessee law, he is a POST-certified law enforcement officer, authorized to carry his service weapons at all times.
"I completed the required 40 hours of trial training for POST certification last year. Earlier this year, I completed my 8-hour annual firearms in-service training. Thus, I am fully compliant with the law’s requirements in this regard," wrote Stanford.
Stanford also claims he shot his weapon in self-defense when the car hit the Homeland Security officer.
"The vehicle then drove toward me and others, accelerating quickly. I fired my service weapon in defense of myself and others at the scene. Based upon my training and the circumstances that presented themselves, I believe my actions were necessary and justified," said Stanford.
DA Stanford also announced that District Attorney Craig Northcott will be the assigned the substitute prosecutor that will handle the Warren County triple homicide prosecution.
"I am absolutely certain that his office will handle the matter with the seriousness and attention it deserves as they seek justice for the victims and their families," he wrote.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email us at nick.beres@newschannel5.com, emily.west@newschannel5.com and chris.davis@newschannel5.com.
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