A shooting on Sunrise Street in Murphy, N.C. on Tuesday afternoon led to a brief school lockdown and a search for the suspect that crossed state lines.
Emergency personnel found a 22-year-old man with a small caliber gunshot wound to his head at the scene shortly after noon and the victim was flown to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, Tenn. for medical attention.
Meanwhile, the suspect, identified to Channel 9 News in Chattanooga as Brian Crisp, of Murphy, had already fled, and both Murphy Elementary School and The Learning Center were locked down briefly while the search began. An alert was later released by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office to be on the lookout for a 2000 silver Volkswagen beetle.
Shortly after, the Polk County, Tenn., Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Highway Patrol found the vehicle and engaged in a brief chase.
Crisp was arrested and allegedly had in his possession the firearm used in the shooting, a large amount of methamphetamine and had multiple warrants out for his arrest.
Update:
The following press release has been issued by Town of Murphy Police Department.
The victim, Mr. Kenneth Ryan Jones, a 22 year old male, who is listed as having a Murphy, NC address, died earlier this morning due to the injuries he received yesterday afternoon. Mr. Jones received one gunshot wound to the head by a handgun after a confrontation with the suspect, Mr. Bryan Crisp. Mr. Crisp is listed as having a Hayesville, NC address. Arrangements are currently being made regarding an autopsy that will take place in the next few days. The autopsy will be performed in Sylva, NC.
Mr. Crisp is currently being held on a No Bond in the Polk County Sheriff's Office on the following charges:
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Manufacture/Deliver/Sell Controlled Substance
- Driving While Impaired
- Possession of a Firearm by Felon
- Flee to Elude Arrest
- Reckless Driving
- Speeding (100MPH in a 55MPH zone)
- Failure to Maintain Lane
- Fugitive from Justice
Currently, Mr. Crisp has been charged with following offenses in Murphy:
- Murder
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury with Intent to Kill.
- Possession of a Firearm by Felon
- Discharging a Firearm in City Limits
- Other Pending Charges as Case Progresses
Mr. Crisp will be extradited to Cherokee County pending a Governor's Warrant from the Cherokee County District Attorney's Office. This is due to Mr. Crisp being incarcerated in another state.
Future charges are still pending for others involved during this incident that were present at the residence when the crime occurred. Assistant Chief Dustin D. Smith is the lead officer on this investigation.
"I want to personally thank all of the men and women from all of the assisting agencies that helped bring this unfortunate incident to an end. These dedicated men and women put their lives on the line everyday doing what they do. I would also kindly ask for everyone to respect the victim's family during this time."
Due to the pending nature and charges of this investigation, this is all of the information that can be shared at this time. We will keep the general public informed as the investigation continues.
Thank You,
Justin J. Jacobs
Chief of Police