GALLATIN, Tenn. – Authorities in Tennessee say an officer was injured during an inmate escape attempt and hostage situation at the Sumner County jail.
Sheriff Sonny Weatherford tells news outlets the incident happened Wednesday evening as a Westmoreland officer was transporting 40-year-old James Richard McCutchen to the jail.
Gallatin police say McCutchen got out of his handcuffs and struggled with the officer. Police say McCutchen then jumped into the officer's patrol car, but was stopped by the security gate. Police McCutchen then grabbed a shotgun from the vehicle and got out.
Weatherford says McCutchen pointed the gun at officers, who fired at him but missed.
Police say McCutchen ran into the jail visitation center, where he ordered about 30 people to the floor. Police say he was later taken into custody after a corrections officer and a citizen tackled him.
Police say McCutchen has been charged with especially aggravated kidnapping and three counts of aggravated assault in addition to other charges.
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