(Tipton County, TN) Deputies said they were trying to drug test a parolee when his son threatened them with a knife and gun.
Deputies were performing a drug testing sweep to make sure parolees stay clean, and this is the first time the program turned violent.
As part of Operation Ur-IneTrouble, deputies said Gerald Murphy was one of 44 parolees in the county to get a surprise drug test.
That’s when investigators said Murphy’s son Jake Maese-Murphy greeted them with a knife and gun, and three deputies shot and killed Maese-Murphy.
“There is no doubt they were threatened in my opinion. Obviously, I think TBI will find that,” said Deputy Chief Donna Turner.
Gerald Murphy passed his drug test but was arrested for manufacturing marijuana. Investigators said they found several marijuana plants by his home.
Forty law enforcement officers from several agencies helped Tipton County carry out the program.
Fourteen out of the 44 parolees did not pass their drug test and were taken to jail.
Deputies said nine others were arrested for additional drug charges, owning vicious animals and gambling.
Deputies said while they faced a dangerous situation, the operation worked by keeping parolees accountable, and they plan on doing it again.