Here’s the latest on that officer‑involved shooting from Friday (9/4/2026) night near the Coffee–Rutherford County line near Beechgrove. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is now deep into its independent review, working at the request of 14th Judicial District Attorney General Craig Northcott.
According to preliminary findings, around 7:45PM last Friday night, Coffee County deputies were attempting to serve an arrest warrant for 43-year-old Eric Thurman. They found him staying in a tent in the 400 block of Spring Circle in the Lakewood community. As deputies approached, investigators say Thurman suddenly attacked Sgt. Investigator Ray “Butch” Stewart, cutting him in the chest and hand with a machete. Stewart’s hand reportedly took the worst of the blows as he tried to defend himself.
Sgt. Matt Miller responded immediately, firing his weapon and stopping the attack. Deputies on-the-scene began first aid on Thurman, but he was later pronounced deceased. Sgt. Stewart was rushed to a local hospital for treatment…