At the request of 25th District Attorney General Mike Dunavant, TBI Special Agents continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding an officer-involved shooting that occurred earlier this evening in Somerville, Fayette County.
Preliminary information indicates the incident began at approximately 6:15 PM, when authorities in Fayette County received a 911 call, alerting them to an intoxicated and suicidal individual, identified as Michael Morris (DOB 5-8-63), who was armed with a knife at a home at 500 Woodbridge Road in Somerville. Two officers from the Somerville Police Department responded to the scene. During the initial exchange, Morris produced a knife and threatened the officers, who attempted to use non-lethal force to subdue Morris at least twice. The situation, however, further escalated and resulted in at least one of the officers firing his weapon, striking Morris, who later died at the scene.
The TBI currently has Agents gathering relevant information and interviews, along with Forensic Scientists, who will collect evidence at the scene. In turn, investigative findings will be submitted to the District Attorney General for his further review and consideration. As a reminder, the TBI acts as ‘fact-finders’ in its cases. The decision as to whether the actions of the officers were justified rests solely with the District Attorney General.
Per TBI policy, the agency will not identify the officers involved in this incident and will instead refer questions of that nature to their department.
Updates on this investigation will be posted online at TBINewsroom.com.
TBINewsroom.com 