LIVINGSTON, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Tennessee Highway Patrol is reporting a shooter is dead after the suspect harmed two people inside the Hutchinson Plant in Livingston.
Preliminary information indicates two individuals were shot, and both victims are stable, according to the Livingston Police Department. The shooter has been identified as James Cody John, 34, of Cookeville.
"Everyone was checked and we secured the scene," Chief Ray Smith said. "Then we had people start the investigation. Schools had closed down but we put them on a soft lockdown. It was a half day of school so there were not many students on campus."
One person is being treated at a local hospital and the other was transported to a Nashville hospital.
"This is a rare event here in Livingston," Smith said. "We all know one another and grew up with one another. This is not an event that takes place. We are very close and we are going to get through it together."
Smith said they called in other law enforcement agencies bigger than their own when he knew they needed help.
A spokesperson said the Tennessee Highway Patrol became involved when the suspect fled the plant. Troopers located the person's vehicle traveling near the Cumberland/Roane County line. When troopers and negotiators attempted to engage the suspect, they found he died by suicide from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The investigation remains active and ongoing at this time.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The Overton County Sheriff's Office said that the gunshot victims had been taken to the hospital. One is in critical condition, and the other person has non-life threatening injuries.
Officials said the suspect is either a current or former employee.
Here is an update to the barricaded suspect investigation in Roane County on I-40. pic.twitter.com/OPIhqMJCC1
— TN Highway Patrol (@TNHighwayPatrol) December 20, 2024
I-40 East is closed at MM 342 in Roane County due to law enforcement activity. pic.twitter.com/xuH2n5pcZg
— Mark Nagi (@MarkNagiTDOT) December 20, 2024
This is breaking news, we will update as details come in.
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