The Knox County Sheriff’s Office has received many calls, emails, and online inquiries regarding the shooting that took place in the afternoon of April 12, 2021 at Austin East High School in Knoxville, Tennessee. We appreciate the outreach, and obvious concern from across the country, and locally.
The Sheriff’s Office under direction from Sheriff Tom Spangler is always willing and available to assist our surrounding law enforcement agencies. Today’s shooting was in the jurisdiction of the Knoxville Police Department (KPD). KCSO’s role was simply a immediate support role until the scene was secure. The Sheriff’s Office will not be able to release any information in order to protect the integrity of the investigation that is being led by KPD. However, you may reach out to KPD’s Communications Manager – Mr. Scott Erland.
Please be patient while he gathers appropriate and factual information to disseminate publicly.
Sheriff Tom Spangler released a statement earlier saying we at KCSO are praying for our Law Enforcement Family at KPD, especially the officer shot in the line of duty today. As well as the entire Austin East Community. That statement can be found on the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is handling the investigation into the the officer involved shooting on April 12, 2021 that took place inside of Austin East High School. This is standard protocol for any officer involved shooting. For additional updates you may visit www.tn.gov./tbi –
