Man with sword is shot after allegedly charging Hawkins County deputy

11-2-2011 Tennessee:

CHURCH HILL — A Hawkins County deputy shot a convicted sex offender Tuesday afternoon who allegedly lunged at the deputy with a sword while the deputy was attempting to serve a probation violation warrant.

The shooting occurred shortly after noon at the home of Brandon Lee Laferty, 26, 298 Dykes Road, located in the Goshen Valley community just south of Church Hill.

Hawkins County Sheriff Ronnie Lawson said his deputies were attempting to serve a Sullivan County probation violation warrant on Laferty, who was convicted of solicitation of aggravated sexual battery in 2008.

Upon entering the residence, deputies allegedly encountered Laferty in the back bedroom armed with a knife.

“Mr. Laferty was ordered numerous times to put down his weapon, at which time he picked up a short blade sword,” Lawson said. “Deputies utilized pepper spray ... in an attempt to disarm him. Mr. Laferty stated he wasn’t going back to prison for 10 years and lunged at a deputy with the sword.

“The deputy fired one round, striking Mr. Laferty in the chest, at which time he was disarmed.”

Laferty was transported by Church Hill EMS to Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, where he immediately underwent surgery.

No further information about Laferty’s condition was available Tuesday.

Two deputies involved in the arrest, including the deputy who fired the shot, were placed on administrative leave, as is routine following shooting incidents.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the attorney general’s office are conducting independent investigations into the shooting.

“After reviewing evidence at the scene, speaking with a witness and my deputies, I find my deputies conducted themselves appropriately,” Lawson said.

Megan Lyons, 25, 4051 Skyland Drive, Kingsport, who was present at the time of the shooting was charged with felony false report.

A small child was also at the residence at the time of the shooting. The child was placed in the custody of the Department of Children’s Services. ..Source.. by Jeff Bobo