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.

TBI agents spent the weekend gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and piecing together the sequence of events. Their role is strictly fact‑finding — they do not determine whether an officer’s actions were justified. Once their investigation is complete, those findings will be turned over to District Attorney General Northcott for review.

The TBI does not release the names of officers involved in these types of incidents, leaving that decision to the respective department. Coffee County officials have confirmed the identities of the deputies and continue to support Sgt. Stewart as he recovers.

As more details become available, WGNS will keep you informed.