An investigation is underway by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) into a fatal officer-involved shooting in Knox County, following a request by District Attorney General Charme Allen. A report published by TBI Newsroom provides the preliminary details of the incident that occurred in the parking lot of a business on Central Avenue Pike in Knoxville.
The TBI's initial findings reveal that the incident began just before 5:00 p.m. Tuesday when deputies from the Knox County Sheriff's Office and troopers with the Tennessee Highway Patrol were called to the location where Ginger Phillips, a woman who had reported being followed and feeling endangered, was found in her car armed and threatening self-harm, despite officers' several hours of negotiation that ensued, Phillips did not surrender, which led to the tragic outcome just before 11:00 p.m., meaning no immediate resolution to the situation was found. Phillips was later pronounced deceased at a local hospital after being shot by two Knox County deputies whose actions led to Phillips sustaining fatal gunshot wounds. The events that unfolded leading to officers opening fire are still under scrutiny by the TBI.
The agency, tasked with conducting a thorough and independent investigation, is collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses to uncover the full narrative of how the events that tragic evening escalated to their lethal conclusion. As is commonplace in such cases, the TBI will communicate its findings to the District Attorney General for further review and decision on any potential legal proceedings.
Regarding the identification of officers involved in the incident, the TBI has refrained from releasing names, deferring instead to the involved department to handle disclosures as it deems appropriate which is a typical procedure in such matters; the agency's role is to solely serve as fact-finders without rendering judgment on the justification of the officers’ actions and their findings will form the basis of the District Attorney General's examination into whether the shootings were justified or if charges should be filed. The community awaits answers as the investigation continues. Further details are expected to emerge in the ensuing weeks.
