BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is examining the circumstances surrounding a deadly officer-involved shooting that occurred Tuesday night in Blount County.
According to Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong, deputies were dispatched shortly after 8:30 p.m. to a residence on Creason Drive following reports of a woman making threats and requesting contact with federal law enforcement.
Berrong said the caller, later identified as 38-year-old Erika Burch, was allegedly asking for the FBI and other law enforcement agencies while also threatening to kill anyone who responded to the home.
When deputies arrived at the residence, the sheriff said Burch confronted law enforcement officers while armed with a knife.
According to Berrong, Burch advanced toward deputies while continuing to make threats. During the encounter, three deputies fired their weapons, striking Burch.
After the shooting, deputies immediately rendered aid before Burch was transported to Blount Memorial Hospital.
Despite lifesaving efforts, Burch was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
As is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was requested to independently investigate the incident.
Sheriff Berrong said the three deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.
The TBI will review evidence, conduct interviews and determine the sequence of events before presenting its findings to the appropriate authorities.
No additional information has been released at this time, and the investigation remains ongoing.
