An altercation in Tipton County has resulted in the death of one man and the apprehension of another, according to a recent statement by Sheriff Shannon Beasley. The incident, which involved gunfire and a subsequent hit-and-run, unfolded around 1:30 a.m. near the junction of Turkey Scratch Rd and Hazel Grove Rd.
The Tipton County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a man firing shots indiscriminately from his vehicle. Shortly after, it was discovered that a man had been struck and fatally injured by the same vehicle. The victim, identified as 50-year-old Larry "Shane" Coats of Covington, was found by deputies. Despite efforts to provide medical assistance, he was pronounced dead from his injuries, Sheriff Shannon Beasley stated in a social media update.
Evidence collection and witness interviews have commenced as part of the ongoing investigation. Witnesses were able to quickly identify the suspect as Andrew Cates, who initially managed to elude the deputies. However, they later apprehended the 29-year-old on Hwy. 59W. Cates, a resident of Hazel Grove Rd., is currently being held at the Tipton County jail, with formal charges to be filed.
Shane Coats was involved in the local baseball and sports communities. The sheriff’s office extended condolences to Coats’ family and recognized the efforts of deputies and detectives in the prompt arrest of the suspect. The office is requesting that anyone with additional information about the case provide tips through established communication channels. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the homicide. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
