Monroe County, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has been asked to investigate after a Monroe County man died days after an encounter with a sheriff’s deputy who was attempting to serve an arrest warrant.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy went to a residence on Maple Springs Road on Friday to serve an arrest warrant on John Bishop.
Authorities said the deputy made contact with Bishop in the driveway and informed him of the warrant. During the encounter, the sheriff’s office said Bishop’s behavior escalated, and he ran from the deputy. The deputy then deployed a Taser.
The sheriff’s office said Bishop continued to resist arrest, failed to comply with verbal commands and attempted to remove the Taser probes. Officials said the deputy was unable to take him into custody due to the continued resistance.
According to MCSO, Bishop continued trying to flee, leading to a physical altercation and the use of physical force as deputies attempted to gain control of the situation.
During the incident, Bishop became unresponsive.
The deputy immediately began CPR, and additional deputies responded to assist with lifesaving efforts until first responders and EMS personnel arrived on the scene.
Bishop was transported to a hospital for treatment. The sheriff’s office said he was pronounced dead on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Following the incident, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office officials contacted District Attorney General Stephen Hatchett and requested an independent investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
The TBI is now investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In a statement, the sheriff’s office expressed sympathy for Bishop’s family and others affected by the situation.
“The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Bishop,” the agency said. “Our thoughts are also with the deputy involved in this incident and everyone affected by this tragic event.”
No additional information has been released.
