MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has identified the man who was fatally shot by law enforcement Friday following a lengthy standoff on Interstate 40 involving an alleged kidnapping.
According to the TBI, the man has been identified as 37-year-old Jason Michael Trevino.
The investigation was requested by 26th Judicial District Attorney General Jody Pickens and involves the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.
Preliminary information indicates Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers were pursuing a westbound vehicle on Interstate 40 after believing it was being driven by a kidnapping suspect with a young child inside.
Law enforcement used spike strips to disable the vehicle just west of Exit 87, leading to a standoff that lasted several hours.
During the incident, authorities said Trevino released the child from the vehicle.
A short time later, Trevino exited the vehicle and began walking westbound along the shoulder of the interstate.
Investigators said officers attempted to take him into custody using less-lethal methods, but those efforts were unsuccessful.
According to the TBI, the encounter escalated when Trevino allegedly brandished a weapon, prompting law enforcement officers to open fire. Trevino was struck and died at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured.
TBI agents continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting by collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Once completed, the findings will be submitted to the district attorney general for review.
The TBI emphasized that its role is to serve as an independent fact-finder and that it does not determine whether an officer’s actions were legally justified. That decision will be made by the district attorney general.
The agency also said it does not identify officers involved in these incidents, referring those questions to the respective law enforcement agencies.
