Man accused of killing wife has violent history
DYER COUNTY, Tenn.,- Dyersburg Police revealed the man accused of beating and stabbing his wife to death Thursday morning has a violent history with the police department. Officers shared Willie Harris’ prior arrest record with WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News. We learned Harris is accused of being aggressive with officers on two different occasions. The first was in 2003, during a domestic call with his wife at the same home. “At that time, a struggle ensued and Mr. Harris tried to take a side arm from one of the officers,” Captain Mark Moody said. “An officer was injured during that altercation.” The second time officers were called to a local medical facility where they said Harris was being treated. Police said Harris was being combative with staff and then with officers. “The officer’s arm was injured trying to get Mr. Harris under control,” Moody said. Police said that officer had to have surgery and was off the job for an extended period of time. In both cases, police told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News the assault against an officer charge was dropped and Harris was sent for a mental evaluation. “If we determine they are a danger to themselves or to others around them, then by state law an officer is required to take them to the nearest facility,” Moody said. The home Harris and his wife lived in was frequently visited by police. Officers said they have responded to several disturbance calls before, but his wife never indicated she or their two children were in danger.
