BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. — A Blount County deputy has died following a crash in his patrol vehicle, WATE reported.
Deputy Justin Mowery, 30, of the Blount County Sheriff’s Office, died on Dec. 28 in a crash during his patrol shift, Sheriff James Lee Berrong confirmed.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol said Mowery was attempting to stop a motorcycle that refused to pull over when the crash occurred. Authorities are now seeking to identify the motorcyclist, who may have information related to the incident.
“I am heartbroken. This is devastating for his family, his shift-mates, this agency, and our community,” Berrong said. “We appreciate the swift response of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and together we are working to determine how the accident happened.”
Mowery joined the Blount County Sheriff’s Office in 2020 after working as a security officer at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. He graduated from the BCSO regional training academy in October 2020 and was assigned to the evening shift as a patrol deputy. In December 2021, he was selected to serve on the department’s SWAT team.
“Please pray for Deputy Mowery’s family, and pray for our deputies,” Berrong said.
Law enforcement agencies across Tennessee have shared condolences and offered support to the department and Mowery’s family. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
