The Latest: Maryville Officer shot in neck during domestic dispute

MARYVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The Latest on the fatal shooting of a Tennessee police officer (all times local):

aniel Stillwell
@tennessy_26

aniel Stillwell
@tennessy_26

R.I.P. Officer Kenny Moats

11:20 a.m.

A police officer who was fatally shot responding to a dispute between a father and son in eastern Tennessee had been wearing a bullet-proof vest, but he was struck in the neck.

Authorities say Marysville Police Officer Kenny Moats was killed Thursday while responding to the second domestic disturbance call of the day at the home.

The Blount County Sheriff’s office says Moats and a deputy were able to get the father to safety and were taking cover behind their vehicles when the son opened fire from the garage, striking Moats from about 70 yards away.

The sheriff’s office says 44-year-old Brian Keith Stalans was arrested. Jail records do not indicate whether Stalans has an attorney.

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11 a.m.

The officer killed responding to a domestic disturbance in eastern Tennessee has been identified as 32-year-old Kenny Moats, a nine-year veteran of the Maryville Police Department.

According to Police Chief Tony Crisp, Moats had a stellar record with the department and had been assigned to the Fifth Judicial Drug Task force in May.

In Crisp’s words: “We know this tragedy will bring our community closer together, and that will be a lasting legacy of Officer Moats.”

The Blount County Sheriff says 44-year-old Brian Keith Stalans came out firing on a property in Maryville Thursday afternoon and fatally wounded Moats before being taken into custody.

Ben Loope
@benloope

Ben Loope
@benloope

A family and community lost one of its finest yesterday. Within hours a local, family owned business(Pokeys, The Village Tinker) went into action to help. Proceeds from this shirt go to help the family of this fallen officer. #thinblueline #easttennessee #maryville

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9 a.m.

Authorities say a police officer who was fatally shot in eastern Tennessee was responding to the second domestic disturbance in the same day at the home.

Blount County Sheriff James Berrong said officers lacked probable cause to take the suspect into custody the first time they were called to the home in Maryville, on Thursday morning. A second call that afternoon reported more violence, and a gun involved.

The sheriff’s office says 44-year-old Brian Keith Stalans came out firing and fatally wounded the officer before being taken into custody. Spokeswoman Marian O’Briant said charges were likely on Friday.

Maryville Police Chief Tony Crisp said his officer had three small children. He was not immediately identified so that his family could be told first of his death.

(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Phil
@pdavis7484

. Murphy
@_m_urph

All too often I have had to wear this mourning band. It hurts each time we lose a brother or sister in blue. But, when it happens so close, it makes me realize just how vulnerable we truly are. We wear kevlar, but we aren’t bulletproof. We wear a shield, but we aren’t protected from all danger. Pray with me for the family, friends and colleagues of the Maryville (TN) Police Officer killed today. ⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️🔵🔵🔵⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️⚫️
#MaryvillePolice #LODD #backtheblue #family #police