SMITHVILLE, TN— The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced Monday that a Grand Jury has indicted 31st Judicial District Attorney General Christopher Robert Stanford of McMinnville after allegedly opening fire on Caleb Brookins, a wanted murder suspect, striking a home with a woman and her three children inside.
According to a press release from the TBI, District Attorney Stanford opened fire on a suspect during the pursuit of a fugitive in Smithville. Several shots were fired and as reported by CBS News at least one round fired by Stanford passed through a patio chair, penetrated an exterior wall, and entered the living room of a home. No one was harmed. However, the DA is now facing a reckless endangerment charge.
The text of the indictment accused Stanford of firing "unlawfully, intentionally and recklessly,” with no immediate threat to himself or others and suggested he failed to aim the firearm. Rather it alleges he “just held it out and shot,” failing to sight the weapon on his target.
"The investigation revealed that, during the pursuit of a wanted fugitive, Stanford fired a gun several times on Bell Street in Smithville, striking a home occupied by a woman and her three children," the press release said.
Bryant Dunaway, 13th Judicial District Attorney told Fox News that Stanford "fired shots during the attempted apprehension of a man named Caleb Brookins on outstanding warrants out of Warren County, TN." He added that the incident was "[r]elated to the actions of a woman named Hannah Rose."
CBS reported that one suspect, Jessica Root, was taken into custody without incident while Stanford and other law enforcement officers attempted to pursue Brookings and Rose. As they fled, Rose reportedly struck and injured a homeland security officer with her car according to the Warren County Sheriff’s office.
"The vehicle then drove toward me and others, accelerating quickly. I fired my service weapon in defense of myself and others at the scene. Based upon my training and the circumstances that presented themselves, I believe my actions were necessary and justified," Stanford told the outlet. He also added that he holds a state law enforcement certification to carry a weapon at all times.
Both Brookins and Jessica Root were wanted in connection to the deaths of three people found on Nov. 20th, Brookings was located in a vehicle driven by Rose according to the Sheriff's Office.
Stanford reportedly surrendered voluntarily without incident at the DeKalb County Jail and has been released after posting $10,000 bail.
Root and Brookings were both taken into custody in connection with the triple homicide, Rose was also arrested and faces charges of felony evading arrest and aggravated assault.
According to a press release from the TBI, District Attorney Stanford opened fire on a suspect during the pursuit of a fugitive in Smithville. Several shots were fired and as reported by CBS News at least one round fired by Stanford passed through a patio chair, penetrated an exterior wall, and entered the living room of a home. No one was harmed. However, the DA is now facing a reckless endangerment charge.
The text of the indictment accused Stanford of firing "unlawfully, intentionally and recklessly,” with no immediate threat to himself or others and suggested he failed to aim the firearm. Rather it alleges he “just held it out and shot,” failing to sight the weapon on his target.
"The investigation revealed that, during the pursuit of a wanted fugitive, Stanford fired a gun several times on Bell Street in Smithville, striking a home occupied by a woman and her three children," the press release said.
Bryant Dunaway, 13th Judicial District Attorney told Fox News that Stanford "fired shots during the attempted apprehension of a man named Caleb Brookins on outstanding warrants out of Warren County, TN." He added that the incident was "[r]elated to the actions of a woman named Hannah Rose."
CBS reported that one suspect, Jessica Root, was taken into custody without incident while Stanford and other law enforcement officers attempted to pursue Brookings and Rose. As they fled, Rose reportedly struck and injured a homeland security officer with her car according to the Warren County Sheriff’s office.
"The vehicle then drove toward me and others, accelerating quickly. I fired my service weapon in defense of myself and others at the scene. Based upon my training and the circumstances that presented themselves, I believe my actions were necessary and justified," Stanford told the outlet. He also added that he holds a state law enforcement certification to carry a weapon at all times.
Both Brookins and Jessica Root were wanted in connection to the deaths of three people found on Nov. 20th, Brookings was located in a vehicle driven by Rose according to the Sheriff's Office.
Stanford reportedly surrendered voluntarily without incident at the DeKalb County Jail and has been released after posting $10,000 bail.
Root and Brookings were both taken into custody in connection with the triple homicide, Rose was also arrested and faces charges of felony evading arrest and aggravated assault.
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