Smithville, Tennessee, was thrown into chaos on Thursday afternoon following reports of an active shooter in the Bell Street area. The incident has left two individuals injured and prompted an immediate and extensive response from law enforcement. Authorities have issued a warning to residents, advising them to secure themselves in their homes and report any suspicious activity. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department is leading the investigation and search for the suspect, who is believed to be armed and dangerous.
The alert from the DeKalb County 911 system described the suspect as a Black male in his mid-20s, last seen wearing blue jeans and a gray shirt. He reportedly fled the scene on foot, and authorities have urged the public not to approach him but to contact 911 immediately if he is spotted.
The shooting occurred in the vicinity of Bell Street, near prominent landmarks such as Walmart and South College Street, an area that quickly became the focal point of a rapidly escalating police operation. The incident has disrupted the lives of local residents and businesses, as law enforcement agencies established a perimeter and intensified their search for the suspect.
Timeline of the Incident
The first reports of gunfire emerged around 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 21, 2024, when DeKalb County 911 began receiving multiple calls from the Bell Street area. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the shooter opened fire, injuring two individuals.
Emergency medical personnel were dispatched to the scene, where they provided immediate care to the victims before transporting them to a nearby hospital. Both individuals sustained gunshot wounds, but their conditions remain unknown as of the latest update.
Law enforcement officers from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, along with backup from nearby agencies, arrived on the scene within minutes. A lockdown was quickly implemented in the affected area to protect residents and facilitate the search for the suspect.
“This is a serious and fluid situation,” a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Department stated during an afternoon press briefing. “We are urging everyone in the area to remain indoors and secure their homes. If you see anything suspicious, do not hesitate to call 911. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous, and our priority is ensuring the safety of the public while apprehending him as quickly as possible.”
The Hunt for the Suspect
The suspect, described as a Black male in his mid-20s, was last seen fleeing the Bell Street area on foot. Witnesses provided conflicting accounts of his direction, prompting law enforcement to expand the search perimeter. Authorities have deployed drones, K-9 units, and additional resources to locate the individual.
The Sheriff’s Department has also coordinated with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to intensify the manhunt. Helicopters have been seen circling the area, and roadblocks have been set up at key intersections to prevent the suspect from escaping by vehicle.
In addition to the description of the suspect’s clothing—blue jeans and a gray shirt—officials have not released further details about his identity or potential motive. Residents in the area have expressed concerns about their safety as the search continues.
Community on High Alert
The Smithville community, a typically quiet town in DeKalb County, has been rattled by the incident. Businesses in the Bell Street area have temporarily closed their doors, and schools in the vicinity initiated emergency lockdown procedures to protect students and staff.
At South College Street, a daycare center implemented heightened security measures, keeping children indoors and notifying parents of the situation. One parent, Sarah Miller, described the fear and uncertainty she felt after receiving a notification about the shooting. “I rushed over as soon as I heard,” she said. “It’s terrifying to think something like this could happen so close to home. I just want my child to be safe.”
Walmart, a major retailer located near the shooting site, also took immediate action, closing its doors and evacuating customers. Employees were seen assisting law enforcement in reviewing surveillance footage that may provide critical information about the suspect’s movements before and after the shooting.
Victims and Medical Response
The two individuals injured in the shooting were transported to Ascension Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital for treatment. While their identities have not been disclosed, officials have confirmed that both victims are adults. The hospital has issued a statement assuring the public that its staff is working diligently to provide the best possible care.
Dr. Laura Bennett, the attending physician at the hospital’s emergency department, provided a brief update on the situation. “Both patients are currently undergoing evaluation and treatment. Our team is focused on stabilizing their conditions, and we will provide further updates as they become available. We are also offering counseling services to any family members affected by this incident.”
Law Enforcement’s Continued Efforts
As the evening progressed, the search for the suspect intensified. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department expanded its efforts to include nearby wooded areas and residential neighborhoods. Officers went door-to-door, ensuring residents were safe and gathering any additional information that could aid in locating the suspect.
In a show of solidarity, law enforcement agencies from neighboring counties, as well as state and federal authorities, have joined the effort. The Tennessee Highway Patrol has deployed additional units to assist with roadblocks and traffic control, while the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been notified in case the incident escalates further.
Sheriff Nathan Weaver addressed the community during a televised briefing late Thursday afternoon. “We understand the fear and anxiety this situation has caused, and we are doing everything in our power to resolve it as quickly and safely as possible. Our officers are working around the clock to apprehend the suspect and bring justice to those affected.”
Public Reaction
News of the Smithville shooting has spread rapidly, drawing reactions from residents, local leaders, and state officials. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released a statement expressing his concern for the victims and his gratitude for the swift response of law enforcement and emergency services.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this tragic incident and their families,” the governor stated. “We commend the brave men and women of law enforcement who are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of the Smithville community.”
Social media has also been flooded with messages of support for the victims and calls for unity in the face of adversity. A local pastor, Reverend Jonathan Hayes, announced plans to hold a prayer vigil at First Baptist Church of Smithville on Friday evening to bring the community together and offer solace to those impacted by the shooting.
Investigation and Next Steps
As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement is focused on piecing together the events leading up to the shooting. Detectives are interviewing witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage, and analyzing evidence from the scene.
While the motive remains unclear, officials have not ruled out any possibilities, including personal disputes, gang-related activity, or random violence. The Sheriff’s Department has urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward, assuring the public that all tips will be treated confidentially.
Final Thoughts
The Smithville shooting serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of violence and its ability to disrupt even the most peaceful communities. As authorities work tirelessly to locate the suspect and ensure the safety of residents, the resilience and unity of the Smithville community remain evident.
In the coming days, as more details emerge and the investigation progresses, the community’s focus will undoubtedly remain on healing and supporting one another through this challenging time. For now, the safety and well-being of Smithville’s residents remain the top priority for law enforcement and local leaders alike.
