A TBI Investigation of a fatal shooting involving two Overton County Deputies has found the officers’ action as justified.
On June 4th, 43-year-old Jerry Henley was shot and killed after resisting arrest. District Attorney Bryant Dunaway said non-lethal options were used, but Henley fled to his vehicle, brandished a firearm and threatened law enforcement.
“In defense of themselves, they returned fire with their own service weapons,” Dunaway said. “They struck the defendant, and he unfortunately lost his life. It was appropriate. Deadly force is appropriate when your in the defense of yourself, the life of yourself and others.”
Dunaway said Henley was also brandishing a firearm to citizens before deputies arrived. Dunaway said Henley was wanted on two warrants, one federal, which lead to the arrest attempt.
“There were citizens that came to the Sheriff’s Office and reported that a man was down by the river with a female subject,” Dunaway said. “He had brandished a firearm to the local citizens and had also made a threat that the firearm was for the police if they came after him. In response to the complaint, two Overton County Deputies went down to the area.”
Dunaway said a struggle ensued and deputies used a taser in an attempt to subdue Henley. Dunaway said Henley removed the taser prongs from his body, leading to Henley retreating to his vehicle and grabbing a firearm.
Dunaway requested for the TBI investigation on June 7th.
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