A suspect has died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after leading authorities on a week-long manhunt that spanned over two counties, according to Sheriff Kenny Christopher. Christopher said due to an ongoing investigation, the suspect’s name is being withheld.
On June 16, Benton County Deputy Bert Wells was traveling South on Hwy. 641 behind what turned out to be a stolen vehicle driven by an unidentified white male. The suspect fled at a high rate of speed and Sergeant Matt Fry and Deputy Jordan Murphy joined the chase.
The sheriff stated that after turning on to Hwy. 192 the pursuit continued for two more miles until the deputies lost sight of the suspect.
A short time later, Murphy spotted the stolen vehicle parked under a nearby shed. The subject was deemed to be on foot, so authorities called in Deputy Chris Nolen and Officer K9 Bojangles for tracking.
It wasn’t long until deputies found a small duffel bag in a field. The bag contained a license plate from the truck in pursuit, another license plate out of Carroll County, large baggie containing 104.33 grams of marijuana, and multiple receipts with the subject’s name printed on them.
Local deputies contacted Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and filed charges.
On June 21, local authorities received information that the suspect was hiding out at a Henderson County address. Christopher said that the Marshals Office was contacted.
Marshals made contact with subject and he fled once again. With the help of the Tennessee Highway Patrol helicopter, the suspect was located in a field in Carroll County where he sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The case remains under investigation.
