By Joanna Putman
Police1
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knoxville Police Department has released body-camera footage showing a man moving toward officers while holding an ax, leading to an officer-involved shooting, according to a news release.
The Nov. 12 incident involved a man armed with an ax who was reported by multiple 911 callers as causing a disturbance in the area, according to the release. Officers Eric Smith and Alexandra Burns responded to the scene and confronted the suspect who was holding a small ax when they arrived.
Body-camera footage, which includes audio from one of the 911 calls, shows Smith repeatedly instructing the man to drop the ax for nearly a minute. The man disregarded the instructions and continuously moved toward the officers, who initially backed away to maintain a safe distance.
As the man started to increase his speed and get close to Smith, the officers fired shots, bringing him to the ground.
Following the shooting, officers rendered medical aid to the man until emergency personnel arrived, according to the release. He was transported to a hospital, where he is expected to recover. He has since been charged with two counts of aggravated assault and two counts of vandalism.
In accordance with department policy, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation into the shooting, while the KPD’s Office of Professional Standards is conducting an internal administrative review according to the release. Both investigations remain ongoing. Officers Smith and Burns are currently on routine administrative leave.
