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TBI identifies man shot and killed by Shelby County SWAT officer

Investigators said the suspect, identified as John Hunt, was shot after getting out of vehicle and waiving rifle.

SHELBY COUNTY, Tenn. — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating a deadly shooting in Cordova involving the Shelby County Sheriff's Office.

TBI agents identified the man killed as 20-year-old John Hunt of Memphis.

It all began about 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 25, 2022, in Millington. Police there said a man, later identified as Hunt, came to the department to report an assault that happened in Memphis. Investigators said Hunt was told he needed to contact Memphis Police to make a report. 

About three hours later, Millington Police said Hunt returned to their department, asking to make a report. Investigators said two officers approached Hunt's vehicle and noticed a rifle in the front seat. They said when the officers asked him to get out of the vehicle, he took off. Investigators said they got a license plate number an issued an 'officer safety BOLO (Be On The Lookout)' due to Hunt's erratic behavior and knowing he was armed.

Tuesday night around 10:45 p.m., investigators said a Shelby County Sheriff's deputy spotted Hunt's vehicle near Houston Levee and Pisgah Road. SCSO said the driver refused to get out of the vehicle and waived a rifle.

Shelby County SWAT and negotiators arrived at the scene and tried to talk to Hunt. They said after an hour of negotiations, Hunt sped off, leading deputies on a chase. 

The sheriff's office said Hunt fired shots at deputies during the pursuit. A SWAT vehicle and a second deputy vehicle were damaged.

The chase ended around 2:00 a.m. Wednesday at a dead-end on Dexter Road near Milbrey Street.

Investigators said Hunt got out of the vehicle with his weapon, and that's when a SWAT officer shot and killed him.

There were no other injuries reported.

The TBI is leading the investigation. Read the latest HERE.

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