Crime
34-year-old Ashton Bohannon killed after shooting in Cookeville shopping center parking lot
Cookeville, Tenn. — Authorities say an attempted robbery may have led to a fatal shooting in Cookeville on Friday night, after a victim reportedly acted in self-defense and fatally shot his alleged attacker.
According to the Cookeville Police Department, officers responded just before 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 11, to reports of a shooting in the parking lot of a shopping center located in the 700 block of South Jefferson Avenue, near an axe-throwing bar and a Walmart store.
Deputies from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, officers discovered 34-year-old Ashton Bohannon suffering from gunshot wounds.
He was transported to Cookeville Regional Medical Center in critical condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries. His next of kin have been notified.
Following a preliminary investigation, Cookeville Police Chief Scott Winfrey and Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris confirmed that a 22-year-old man, who remained at the scene and cooperated fully with investigators, reported that Bohannon allegedly attempted to rob him at gunpoint.
According to the 22-year-old, Bohannon confronted him in the parking lot and displayed a firearm during what is believed to have been a robbery attempt.
The younger man, who was legally carrying his own firearm, drew his weapon and fired in what he described as an act of self-defense.
At this time, no charges have been filed against the 22-year-old, as the incident is being investigated under Tennessee’s self-defense laws.
Authorities emphasized that the individual has been fully cooperative, and that witness testimony and possible security footage from nearby businesses are being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
“This appears to be a case where an individual was forced to defend himself during a violent encounter,” said Sheriff Farris. “However, our detectives are still actively piecing together exactly what transpired.”
The Cookeville Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division continues to lead the investigation.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has additional information is encouraged to contact them at 931-520-5322.
Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
DANVILLE, Ind. — A police-involved shooting outside the Hendricks County Courthouse on Monday has prompted an active investigation led by the Indiana State Police.
According to preliminary information from the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office, a sheriff’s deputy discharged their firearm during an altercation that occurred just outside the courthouse grounds.
The condition of the individual who was shot has not been disclosed at this time.
Witnesses at the scene reported that the incident may have stemmed from an inmate attempting to seize a deputy’s firearm while being escorted near the building.
However, officials have not yet confirmed those details.
Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Jim Yetter stated that the area has been secured and that there is no continuing threat to public safety.
The courthouse remained under tight security as investigators processed the scene and gathered statements from witnesses.
The Indiana State Police has assumed control of the investigation, which remains active and ongoing.
Authorities have not released the identities of those involved, and further information is expected as the investigation progresses.
Anyone with relevant information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Indiana State Police.