In a distressing turn of events, a Tennessee sheriff's deputy is fighting for his life following an alleged assault by a suspect he was pursuing.
The incident unfolded during a live broadcast of the police-themed television show "On Patrol: Live," capturing the attention of viewers nationwide.
According to The Post Millennial, Knox County Sheriff's Deputy Dalton Swanger was critically injured when he was struck in the head with a rock or brick by Christopher Hensley, a 44-year-old suspect. Authorities had been pursuing Hensley in connection with a shooting in a Knoxville neighborhood.
The dramatic scene was broadcast live, showing Swanger's body going limp as fellow officers rushed to carry him out of a dark wooded area where Hensley was found. The sheriff's office reported that Hensley began his assault by hurling rocks and other projectiles at the officers after they identified themselves. The video footage captured Swanger immediately falling to the ground upon being struck by Hensley.
"The entire studio went silent as we watched what happened next. His mates dragging him to safety to render aid," recounted Tom Rizzo, co-host of the show, in a Facebook statement. "As Dalton tried to regain his feet, he says, 'I'm going to be heavy.'"
Despite his initial responsiveness, Swanger became unresponsive shortly after being extricated from the wooded area. He was swiftly transported to the Tennessee Medical Center, where he remains in the intensive care unit. The Knox County Sheriff's Office shared an update on Facebook, noting that Swanger is still in the ICU but has shown signs of progress, managing to move "all of his limbs."
The office described these as "minor yet significant improvements." In support of Swanger, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched, raising over $80,000 to aid in his recovery.
Christopher Hensley now faces a litany of charges, including attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault on a first responder, possession of a firearm with intent to go armed, and manufacturing, delivering, selling, or possessing a controlled substance.
As the investigation continues, the community rallies around Deputy Swanger, hoping for his full recovery and justice to be served.
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