The Tazewell Police Department is on the hunt for an unknown shooter after incidents early yesterday morning led to shots being fired at officers. According to a WVLT report, officers were responding to a disturbance call in the Old Cave Springs Road and Old Highway 25E area when the shooting occurred.
Officer Andrew Harris of the Tazewell Police Department and Deputy Luke Walsh from the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched around 1:12 a.m. upon receiving reports of a possible two prowlers, said a caller who reported hearing knocking at their window. During their perimeter check, "Approximately 5-10 shots were fired and were close enough to be heard whizzing by the officers," the officers sought cover, as revealed by the Tazewell PD’s statement on Facebook.
No injuries were reported in this potentially deadly encounter. The Tazewell Police Department, via a Facebook post, expressed gratitude for the backup assistance from the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office, the New Tazewell Police Department, and the Tazewell- New Tazewell Fire Department. The police department also used the occasion to highlight the risky nature of their work, acknowledging that "This incident highlights the dangerous job law enforcement officers face."
No shooter has been apprehended following the incident, and the authorities are encouraging anyone with information to come forward. According to a WBIR article, "Anyone with information about the shooting should reach out to the police department at 423-626-5104."
