A Weakley County sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed early Friday while assisting police with a shots-fired call in western Tennessee, authorities said.
Deputy Derrick Bonham, a U.S. Army veteran and deputy with the Weakley County Sheriff’s Office, was fatally wounded during the incident in Martin, according to police.
Officers with the Martin Police Department responded around 2:51 a.m. to a disturbance and possible shots fired at the Days Inn on University Street. Deputies from Weakley County were called in to assist.
Police said that as deputies were responding to the scene shortly after 3 a.m., they observed a vehicle leaving a nearby gas station. Investigators said the driver fired shots from the vehicle, striking Bonham.
Bonham was transported to Volunteer Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Authorities identified the suspect as Khristi Dawn Cunningham, 44, of Canal Fulton in Ohio. Cunningham was taken into custody at the scene. She previously worked at the Indian River Detention Center in Massillon.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation at the request of local authorities. Police said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Weakley County Sheriff’s officials said Bonham leaves behind three young children, all under the age of 7.
Formal charges are expected following the completion of the investigation.
Further details will be released by investigators.
