‘A lot of hurt in the community’: Investigation underway after killing of Weakley Co. deputy

WEAKLEY COUNTY, Tenn. — The Martin Police Department announced Friday morning that the Weakley County Sheriff’s Department lost a deputy in the line of duty.

According to the Martin Police Department, officers were dispatched to Days Inn located at 800 University Street after a call came in reporting possible gun shots fired.

The Weakley County Sheriff’s Department assisted MPD and arrived on scene a little after 3 a.m.

As they arrived, they saw a vehicle leaving the Pocket’s gas station across the street and the driver of the vehicle fired shots which struck a deputy with WCSD. The deputy was transported to a local hospital and later was pronounced dead.

The Martin Police Department has identified the deputy as Derrick Bonham.

While on the scene, MPD took the suspect into custody and there is currently no threat to the public.

City of Martin’s Mayor David Belote says this is devastating to the community and they will continue to work to find out what went on.

“It will be a lot of hurt in the community and we’re going to try to find a way to understand what went on and it’s under investigation,” said Mayor Belote.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has taken over this incident and they are still investigating at this time. As more information becomes available, it will be provided to the public.

If you have any information regarding this incident, you are encouraged to contact the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

Greenfield Banking Company has started an account for donations to be given to the family of Bonham. He leaves behind his wife and three young children. Donations can be dropped off at the Bank or sent to PO Box 47 Greenfield, TN 38230. Checks can be made to Greenfield Banking Company and put Bonham Memorial in the memo.

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