Shaun Michael Powers, 21, of Dunlap accused of shooting a Sequatchie County deputy following a Wednesday night pursuit, was arrested and charged by special agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
At the request of 12th District Attorney General J. Michael Taylor, TBI Special Agents began investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting of Sequatchie County Sheriff's Department Deputy Wallace Cunningham Wednesday night, which occurred at approximately 9:45 p.m. near the intersection of Tram Trail Road and Highway 111 in Dunlap.
Officials said preliminary information indicates Deputy Cunningham was involved in a vehicle pursuit, ending at the Dunlap location, when the subject, Powers, drove his vehicle into a ditch.
The deputy subsequently exited his vehicle and gave lawful commands in an attempt to approach and arrest Powers, who did not comply and brandished a weapon toward the deputy. Deputy Cunningham discharged a stun gun in the direction of the subject and an altercation ensued, during which the deputy was reportedly fired upon by Powers and struck at least twice. Despite his injuries, the deputy was able to disarm and detain Powers until other law enforcement officers could arrive.
A medical helicopter flew Deputy Cunningham to Erlanger hospital in Chattanooga, where he was treated and later released. Though the deputy did not fire his service weapon, Powers sustained an injury during the incident and was subsequently treated and released.
Thursday morning, authorities arrested the 21-year-old and charged him with one count of attempted first-degree homicide. He was booked into the Sequatchie County Jail where his bond amount had yet to be determined.