Tenn. Shooting Suspect Possibly Motivated by Recent Incidents Involving Black People and Police, Officials Say


  • By JACK DATE
  • AVIANNE TAN

Jul 8, 2016, 4:50 PM ET

The man believed to be responsible for a series of shootings in Bristol, Tennessee, on Thursday may have been motivated by "recent incidents involving African-Americans and law enforcement officers in other parts of the country," according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).

The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Lakeem Keon Scott, allegedly fired shots through the window of a Days Inn hotel on Volunteer Parkway, striking a clerk, before he appeared to have "indiscriminately fired at several vehicles driving" on the highway, the TBI said in a statement.

Scott then fired at three responding officers from the Bristol Police Department, who then "returned fire, striking Scott," the TBI said. Scott was was taken to Bristol Regional Medical Center, where he was listed in serious but stable condition as of Friday morning.

The shooting left one civilian dead, two civilians injured and one police officer injured, according to the TBI.

"Preliminarily, the investigation reveals Scott may have targeted individuals and officers after being troubled by recent incidents involving African-Americans and law enforcement officers in other parts of the country," the TBI said. "Late this morning, investigators had their first opportunity to speak with Scott, and the work to develop a thorough understanding of his motivation for this incident remains central to the ongoing investigative work."

As the investigation continues, the TBI said it would submit findings to the District Attorney General for his further review and consideration.

"Our thoughts and prayers remain with the injured and their families," it added.

Scott has not yet been charged, according to the Associated Press.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/tenn-shooti...ry?id=40443106