Gary Ray Ashford Obituary, Death – Authorities are investigating a fatal incident that occurred Saturday night in Alexandria, Tennessee, involving DeKalb County deputies who were attempting to serve a warrant. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has taken the lead in examining the circumstances surrounding the event.
According to a statement from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, two deputies went to a residence on Goodner Lane to serve a court-ordered warrant to 48-year-old Gary Ray Ashford. What began as a routine warrant service quickly escalated, leading to a tragic outcome.
Officials reported that during the encounter, Ashford reportedly displayed a weapon and advanced toward the deputies. In response, the deputies discharged their firearms. Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene shortly after, but Ashford was pronounced deceased before he could be transported for medical treatment.
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department requested assistance from the Smithville Police Department during and after the incident. The area around the home was secured while investigators began collecting evidence and interviewing those who may have witnessed what happened.
In accordance with standard procedure for officer-involved shootings, the District Attorney’s Office was notified immediately, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was brought in to handle the inquiry. The TBI is tasked with independently reviewing all aspects of the situation, including the sequence of events, the actions of everyone involved, and any evidence collected at the scene.
Officials have not released further details about the warrant that deputies were attempting to serve or what specific charges may have been connected to it. Likewise, the names of the deputies involved have not been made public at this time. The sheriff’s department stated that additional information will be shared once the investigation progresses and findings are verified.
The TBI’s investigative process typically includes forensic analysis, review of body camera footage (if available), and interviews with the officers, witnesses, and neighbors. Once the investigation is complete, the findings will be turned over to the District Attorney’s Office for review. That office will then determine whether the deputies’ actions were consistent with department policies and Tennessee state law.
Incidents involving law enforcement are treated with special attention in Tennessee to ensure transparency and accountability. The sheriff’s department expressed full cooperation with the TBI and said it is committed to supporting the ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, community members in Alexandria and the surrounding areas have expressed concern and sadness about the event. Residents described the area as typically quiet and were surprised to hear about such an incident happening in their neighborhood. Local leaders have encouraged patience as state investigators work to gather accurate and complete information before any conclusions are drawn.
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department issued a brief statement offering condolences to everyone affected and reaffirmed that all officer-involved incidents are taken seriously. The department added that it is following established protocols to ensure the investigation remains thorough and impartial.
Law enforcement experts note that serving warrants can sometimes involve unpredictable circumstances, even when officers take every precaution. Agencies often rely on specialized training to handle such situations safely, but each encounter can present unique challenges.
As of Sunday afternoon, the TBI had not released additional information about the investigation or potential next steps. Officials confirmed that all evidence gathered at the scene is being processed and that interviews are ongoing.
The case remains active, and updates will be provided as the TBI continues its review. Authorities are urging the public to refrain from speculation and to await verified findings from investigators.
This developing situation has left many in the community seeking clarity, and state officials have promised to release their conclusions as soon as the investigation is complete and the facts are fully established.
