18-year-old pleads guilty to attempted first degree murder
GIBSON COUNTY, Tenn. — One man pleads guilty to several charges in the Gibson County Circuit Court.
According to District Attorney General Frederick Agee, On August 18, 2022, Sergeant Wilson Chute with the Trenton Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Bladen Hankins, who was 16 at the time, for driving a stolen ATV.
Hankins refused to comply to Chute’s commands and a police pursuit began. While evading, Hankins fired five rounds from a handgun stolen from his grandfather at Sgt. Chutes.
Backup officers were able to stop Hankins, who admitted to shooting at Chutes.
On September 16, 2024, Hankins, who is now 18 years old, pled guilty to attempted first degree murder, aggravated burglary and felony evading arrest.
He will serve 20 years at 100% in the Tennessee Department of Correction.
See the full press release from District Attorney General Frederick H. Agee:
On September 16, 2024, in the Circuit Court of Gibson County at Trenton, Defendant Bladen Hankins (18) pled guilty to Attempted First Degree Murder, Aggravated Burglary, and Felony Evading Arrest and was ordered to serve 20 years at 100% in the Tennessee Department of Correction.
On August 10th, 2022, Sgt. Wilson Chute with the Trenton Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Hankins, who was 16 at the time, for driving a stolen ATV on Armory Street. Hankins refused to comply with Sgt. Chute’s commands, and a pursuit ensued. While Hankins evaded arrest, he fired five rounds from a handgun stolen from his grandfather at Sgt. Chute. Back-up officers were able to stop Hankins, who admitted to intentionally shooting at Sgt. Chute.
“We are blessed and thankful that none of our Trenton Police Officers or innocent bystanders were injured by Hankins’ extremely dangerous actions on that day. Because he committed Attempted First Degree Murder as a juvenile, he was transferred from Juvenile Court to be tried as an adult. Our office is focused on prosecuting violent crime, and we will not hesitate to seek transfer of juveniles that commit violent acts, especially against our law enforcement officers. While incarcerated, this Defendant has the opportunity to comply with intensive mental health treatment, educational programs, and drug counseling that can reduce his chances of reoffending after he serves his 20-year sentence.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Nina Seiler and investigated by Gibson County Sheriff’s Department Inv. Nick Milan.
– Frederick H. Agee, District Attorney General.
