Video: Tennessee Deputy Cleared After Fatally Shooting Ax-Wielding Man
A Blount County, TN, deputy who fatally shot a Greenback man after he advanced on the officer with an ax has been cleared and was scheduled to return to his duties, according to the sheriff's office.

Photo: Blount County / WBIR video
A Blount County, TN, deputy who fatally shot a Greenback man after he advanced on the officer with an ax has been cleared and was scheduled to return to his duties last week, according to the sheriff's office. Deputy Jarred Pekala had been on administrative leave with pay since the incident on Sept. 30, reports WBIR.
"After reviewing the findings of the TBI and the BCSO investigation, the Blount County District Attorney General’s Office ruled the deputy’s actions were justifiable based on the circumstances, and that the deputy’s actions were in compliance with Tennessee state law," a release from the sheriff's office said.
The sheriff's office said Deputy Pekala was called to the home on Emert Williams Road after a family member called dispatch and said Brian Lee Rogers, the man who was killed, was "acting erratically." Deputy Pekala's in-car video showed that as he pulled up to the home, Rogers retrieved an ax and advanced toward his patrol car. The deputy put his car in reverse and backed up to create distance between Rogers and himself.
"When he stopped, he stepped out of his patrol vehicle and issued several verbal warnings to Rogers to drop the weapon, but Rogers did not comply and continued to charge toward him with the ax," the report said.
More Patrol

Safariland Solis Rethinks Concealable Duty
What if Level I retention didn’t require a full duty rig? Safariland’s Solis delivers trusted ALS security in a streamlined OWB platform built for administrative and plainclothes professionals who need protection without the bulk.
Read More →
5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights for Patrol Use
What is the value of a backup light, and what do you need to consider when selecting one? These smaller lights are invaluable as a secondary or special-purpose light and can be easily carried in a pocket or clipped to MOLLE gear, a key chain, shirt, or a vest.
Read More →
363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week
In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.
Read More →
NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month
Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.
Read More →
National Police Survey Reveals How Americans View Policing Today
A new national survey offers a comprehensive look at how Americans view policing. The study uncovers public sentiment toward local vs. federal police, communications, crisis response, the use of AI in policing, and more.
Read More →
Streamlight TLR-7 X Selected as Standard Issue Pistol Light by Canadian Federal Police
The Canadian Federal Police will be adding a new duty pistol system, which will include Streamlight’s TLR-7 X and a Glock 45 MOS 7 pistol with a red dot sight.
Read More →
Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.
Read More →
What Should Be in Your IFAK?
What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.
Read More →
Olight Releases 2 New Baton Variants & the ArkPro Ultra Onyx Black
Olight has added two new lights to the Baton Series, the Baton 4 and the Baton Ultra. One new Baton features up to 1,600 lumens on turbo, and the other 1,800.
Read More →
Team Wendy Reveals New RECON Tactical Bump Helmet
Team Wendy’s new RECON Tactical bump helmet is configurable by color, retention, and accessories for rescue, tactical, and military mission needs. It features Zorbium foam pads, shell vents, and lattice cooling pads that balance impact absorption, airflow, and long-wear support.
Read More →
