Man Identified as Steven James Murphy Fatally Shot by Police in Tennessee Robbery Attempt

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Man Shot and Killed by Police After Attempted Robberies in Tennessee

In a dramatic turn of events, a man who attempted to commit two robberies in central Tennessee on Wednesday morning was shot and killed by a police officer. The incident, which was captured on the officer’s bodycam video, showed the suspect charging at the officer with two large knives upraised.

The officer, upon arriving at an empty-looking restaurant where the suspect was located, encountered the armed individual. With both arms upraised and a knife in each hand, the suspect dashed towards the officer, who immediately shouted, “Hey! Drop it now!” The officer then fired his weapon, fatally shooting the suspect.

The video footage also captured the officer radioing for backup, exclaiming, “Shots fired, shots fired.” He then ordered the fallen suspect to drop the knife, followed by calling for emergency services. A groan could be heard, possibly from the suspect, as the officer instructed him not to move.

The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Steven James Murphy of Murfreesboro, was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Murfreesboro Police Department (MPD) spokesperson Larry Flowers confirmed the suspect’s death during a press briefing on Wednesday. Flowers revealed that Murphy had allegedly attempted to rob the driver of an armored vehicle at an ATM in a shopping center in Murfreesboro around 9:13 am. When the driver produced a weapon, the suspect fled to a nearby deli, where he attempted another robbery. The deli workers managed to run and hide for their safety. It was at this point that the officer arrived on the scene and confronted the suspect, who ignored repeated orders before being shot.

Officer Adam Claiborne, the officer who shot the suspect, has been placed on paid administrative leave while the incident is being investigated. The MPD released a statement confirming Claiborne’s identity and the decision to place him on leave. The department also shared a link to a related article about police searching for a criminal in India who trains unemployed youths to rob ATMs.

Interestingly, just a week before this incident, the MPD had arrested and charged two men with robbery at an ATM outside a Murfreesboro bank. According to an MPD statement, one of the suspects was apprehended at Nashville Airport, while the third suspect managed to catch a flight to Texas. An outstanding arrest warrant was issued for his apprehension.

This incident highlights the dangers that law enforcement officers face daily and the split-second decisions they must make to protect themselves and the public. The bodycam video provides crucial evidence for the ongoing investigation into the shooting, ensuring transparency and accountability.

As the investigation progresses, authorities will continue to gather information and determine the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s actions and the officer’s response..