Video: Woman Attacked Officer with Ax Before Fatal Shooting in Tennessee
When a deputy with the Sumner County (TN) Sheriff's Office along with members of the Gallatin Housing Authority served Laronda Sweatt an eviction notice Wednesday morning, she became combative and stabbed the deputy with an ax.
When a deputy with the Sumner County (TN) Sheriff's Office along with members of the Gallatin Housing Authority served Laronda Sweatt an eviction notice Wednesday morning, she became combative and stabbed the deputy with an ax, reports WKRN.
A neighbor News 2 spoke with saw the deputy, identified as Gary Pickard, as he made his way back to his car and called for back-up.
"There was an officer running up holding his side. The ambulance was coming and they run us back inside and tell us not to come outside," said Seth Lazenby.
Three other Gallatin officers arrived at the scene and Sweatt allegedly met Officer James Spray in the street.
She allegedly backed him up to his vehicle while threatening him with the same ax she assaulted Pickard with.
As she continued advancing toward Officer Spray, he fired two shots, striking Sweatt both times.
Spray has been placed on routine administrative leave with pay following the shooting.
Pickard was transported to a local hospital and has since been released. He has been with the department since 2005.
More Patrol
Adept Armor Introduces Two New Rifle Plates
Adept Armor has launched two new Level IV ballistic plates, the Emperor and the Archon Mark 2, which brings Adept Armor’s new Quatroid ceramic to the high-threat, performance-value center of the range at 5.2 pounds.
Read More →
POLICE Product Test: Benchmade Bailout
The Benchmade Bailout is a slim, lightweight carry knife with a deep-ride pocket clip and comes in a variety of blade steels and scales. Here is a detailed review of the Taiga Green Bailout, released earlier this year.
Read More →
NLEOMF Announces July 2026 Officer of the Month
NLEOMF honored a Michigan deputy sheriff as the July 2026 Officer of the Month for rescuing a trapped driver from a burning vehicle following a Fourth of July crash.
Read More →
Streamlight to Showcase Newest Lighting Products at National Safety Council’s Safety Congress & Expo 2026
Streamlight will showcase its latest lights, including the Portable Scene Light III and the LiteBox 1Million, at the 2026 National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo.
Read More →
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games Set for Perth, Australia
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) will take place in Perth, Western Australia, from Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 21, 2027.
Read More →
5.11 Partners with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to Support #ForThe343
5.11 has joined the nationwide movement honoring the 343 New York City Fire Department firefighters lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
Read More →
Team Wendy Announces Title Sponsorship of the Jorge Pastore Foundation
Team Wendy’s 3-year partnership with the Jorge Pastore Foundation expands access to programs that strengthen those who serve.
Read More →
National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Hosting 9/11 25th-Year Commemoration Ceremony
The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum is hosting a 9/11 25th Year Commemoration Ceremony on Sept. 11 at 4 p.m.
Read More →
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Announces June 2026 Officers of the Month
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) named 15 officers of the Chico Police Department (California) as the Officers of the Month for June 2026 for their roles in responding to an active-shooter incident at a public library.
Read More →
Team Wendy App Creates New Digital Hub for Helmet Owners
The Team Wendy Community App provides one location for warranty registration, size-fit tools, product updates, and community connection. For helmet owners, the new app creates a simpler path to the information and tools that matter most.
Read More →