Coffee County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Investigator Ray Butch Stewart, who was injured when a suspect attacked him with a machete in late August, has posted an update on social media.
Stewart on Wednesday, Sept. 16th posted:
“Good afternoon, everyone. I want to thank the many people who have supported me over the past few weeks, which have been a blur. Friday, August 28, was a difficult day, but I was fortunate to have some very good people there to help me. I will not go into the details, but I want everyone to know that I am doing okay. My hand is healing, and I am back at work on limited duty so I do not get myself into another predicament. I will continue to recover and have several doctor’s appointments in the coming weeks, but I am okay with that. Thank you to everyone who helped me on the 28th, reached out, and prayed for me.”
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating the incident.
Preliminary information indicates that at around 7:45, deputies with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department were attempting to serve an arrest warrant for Eric Thurman (DOB 9/18/1982). They located him in a tent in the 400 block of Spring Circle in the Lakewood Community. For reasons still under investigation, Thurman cut Stewart in his chest and in his hand with a machete. Another deputy discharged his firearm, striking Thurman. Deputies rendered first aid to Thurman who was later pronounced deceased. The deputy was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
