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MOUNTAIN CITY – At the request of 1st Judicial District Attorney Steve Finney, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) agents are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Wednesday night in Johnson County.

According to preliminary information, just before 10:30 p.m., deputies from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Carter County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant at a residence in the 300 block of Cross Mountain Road in Mountain City. The warrant was part of an investigation involving Alexander James Russom, 39.

When deputies encountered Russom, he reportedly fired shots at law enforcement. Deputies from both Johnson County and Carter County returned fire, striking Russom. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

During the incident, a Johnson County K9 was also shot and was taken to a veterinary emergency clinic for treatment. No other deputies were injured.

TBI agents are working to independently determine the sequence of events, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Once the investigation is complete, findings will be shared with District Attorney Finney for his review and consideration.

The TBI emphasized that its role is to act as fact-finders and that it does not determine whether the actions of officers were justified. That decision rests with the District Attorney General requesting the investigation.

The TBI does not release the identities of officers involved in these incidents and refers such inquiries to the respective law enforcement agencies.