Deputy shot in Knoxville

Gunmen may have headed toward Sevier County news@theheraldnewspapers.com A huge manhunt was underway at press time in East Tennessee for those involved in a shooting of a Knox County deputy. Deputy Cory Johnson, 34, was shot in the arm (shoulder area), near Cove Park located in Southwest Knox County around 1:00 p.m. Tuesday. Martha Dooley with the Knox Sheriff’s Office stated that Johnson was in stable condition at UT Medical Center and that the wound was not life threatening. The officers’ undercover vehicle, an unmarked Ford Explorer, had several shotgun holes in the driver’s side window. The vehicle the alleged perpetrators are believed to be driving an older model (1980s Dodge or Chevy) white van with a ladder on top with two male Hispanics inside. Some reports initially after the shooting suggested that the vehicle may be heading toward the Sevier County area. Police are also searching Blount and Loudon counties. The suspects are considered armed and dangerous. Early yesterday afternoon Knox County undercover Deputy Johnson stopped to help what he thought was a broken down vehicle near Concord Park. The vehicle had two Hispanic men inside. According to Knox County Sheriff Tim Hutchison, Johnson heard screams of a woman he believed to be held in the back of the van. He was then shot and returned fire. It was unclear at press time if the woman in the van was a hostage or a suspect in the shooting. The gates at Bearden High School were closed for a short time after the shooting as a safety precaution. Law enforcement is stressing not to approach the van if you see one that fits the description but to call 911 immediately.