DA complets review of Sevierville officer-involved shooting

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - The Sevier County District Attorney General James Dunn said his office has completed the review into the officer-involved shooting that left one person dead and a police K-9 injured.

Attorney General Dunn said the incident started when Sevierville Police Officer Jacob Reece attempted a traffic stop a Ford Taurus that was refusing to stop Friday evening May 12. Dunn said that the officer was able to identify Daryl Higdon as the driver of car.

Around 8:15 p.m., Sevierville Police Department officers and Sevier County Sheriff’s Office deputies went to a home on Holly Drive to follow up on an incident involving a felony evading by vehicle.

Dunn said that an officer knocked on the door and spoke with David Higdon a resident of the home, the officer drew his weapon and was giving commands and saw Daryl Higdon with a rifle. The officer shot twice which led to multiple shots being fired from Higdon with the rifle from inside the residence Dunn said.

Evidence from TBI showed sixty-four fired rifle cartridge casings in and around the home by Higdon who was identified by officers and a witness as the only person firing at police.

Dunn said the investigation shows that officers at the front of the home were told that Higdon was coming out of the residence but David Wright appeared at the door and was shot by officers.

David Wright 63 was killed as a result of the officer shooting the investigation showed. The death of Mr. Wright is not the result of any criminal conduct by any police officer involved.

Wright was not the person that officers were looking for during this incident, according to SPD officials.

“The Sevierville Police Department extends our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. David Wright, who died during the officer-involved shooting incident on Holly Drive Friday night, May 12, 2023,” SPD officials said.

Life is precious, and to lose a loved one in violent circumstances is a tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Another person was transported to a regional hospital for treatment. Two Sevier County Sheriff’s deputies and one city officer were transported to the hospital for non-gunshot-related injuries.

Sevierville Police Department K-9 Officer Hank was shot and was transported to an area veterinary hospital for treatment, TBI officials said. The dog underwent surgery, which went well, and is now resting with his partner, Officer Jordan Paul.

“Thanks so much to everyone for your concern and continued thoughts and prayers for a quick and full recovery,” SPD officials said.

In a later update, TBI officials said that Daryl Higdon, who was injured in the shooting, was taken into custody by the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office. His charges have not been released.

District Attorney Dunn said that no criminal charges will be filed against any police officer involved in the shooting on Holly Drive,

Daryl Higdon is scheduled to appear in Sevier County Circuit Court on September 18 on several charges including First Degree Murder.

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