Cookeville Police Department used its tactical rescue vehicle Thursday morning to arrest a suspect on sexual exploitation charges.
Investigators executed a criminal court indictment for 37-year-old Emery Dean Hannah at a residence on North Washington Avenue. The department utilized its Special Weapons and Tactics team because the suspect was known to possess firearms.
Upon arrival, officers announced their presence and ordered Hannah to open the door. Hannah refused to comply with the orders, according to police reports, and remained barricaded inside the home. Officers then used a tactical rescue vehicle to safely breach the door due to the risk factors involved. Chemical irritants were also deployed into the residence to force the suspect outside.
“The operation was completed without injury to officers or nearby residents,” Cookeville Police Captain Anthony Leonard said.
Following the standoff, Hannah was transported to the Putnam County Jail. He faces a class B felony for sexual exploitation of a minor involving over 100 images.
“A firearm was located at the scene, and additional charges may be pending as the investigation continues,” Leonard said.
The early morning operation began at approximately 6:30am and required heightened safety precautions from the responding officers.
The department encourages the community to report any incidents involving child sexual abuse material to its Criminal Investigation Division.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.