MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - Murfreesboro Police Department (MPD) officers shot a man who charged at them with a hatchet Friday (September 11th) evening at a local hotel. MPD has now released still images from body-worn camera footage capturing the encounter.
MPD officers responded to the Clarion Inn & Suites at 6:53 p.m. to serve an active warrant. The man sought by law enforcement refused to leave his hotel room. When the room door opened, the suspect charged directly at the officers while brandishing a hatchet. Officers opened fire, striking the man several times to neutralize the immediate threat.
No officers or hotel guests suffered injuries during the confrontation.
Following the shooting, MPD officers immediately began administering emergency first aid to the wounded man. Responding crews from the Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department (MFRD) and Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services (RCEMS) arrived shortly after to take over medical care and transport the subject.
At the request of District Attorney General Jennings Jones, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is conducting an independent investigation into the incident. The MPD officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the final outcome of the TBI probe.
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED
MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS) - Murfreesboro Police spent Friday evening (9/11/2026) at the Clarion Inn and Suites on Old Fort Parkway after an officer‑involved shooting unfolded just before 7 o’clock. It happened around 6:53 PM as MPD officers were attempting to serve a warrant on a man staying at the hotel.
According Public Information Officer Larry Flowers, the situation escalated quickly. He explained that police knocked several times on the hotel room's door, but the suspect refused to come out. Then the door allegedly opened quickly and a man carrying something charged toward the police. Flowers explained that during that encounter shots were fired and the suspect suffered multiple wounds.
The male was stabalized and rushed to the ER at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital for treatment where he is listed in stable condition.
At the request of 16th Judicial District's Attorney General Jennings Jones, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation special agents are interviewing witnesses and gathering data to determine exactly what led to the shooting. This is standard procedure anytime an officer fires a weapon. Murfreesboro Police Department has not yet released additional details about the warrant or the circumstances that prompted the encounter.
Flowers noted that officers involved are now on leave with pay and will serve administrative or desk duty until the TBI completes its study. He also emphasized that no officers or hotel guests were injured.
At a press conference, Flowers asked the public to keep the officers, the injured suspect and their families in your prayers.
As the investigation continues, WGNS will keep you updated on any new developments.
