Tennessee police officer fatally shoots ax-wielding woman

Published April 07, 2016

Authorities in Tennessee say an officer fatally shot a woman who attacked with a medieval-style ax.

News outlets report 40-year-old Laronda Sweatt of Gallatin became combative when Sumner County sheriff's deputy Gary Pickard accompanied housing authorities to serve an eviction notice on her Wednesday.

Gallatin police said in a news release it sent several officers when Pickard requested help. Sweatt then threatened Gallatin Officer James Spray with the ax and Spray shot her. Officers immediately began medical treatment on Sweatt, who later was pronounced dead at a hospital.

The incident comes amid a national debate and increased scrutiny over police treatment of black people and several deaths that have made international headlines. Sweatt is black. Spray, who's white, has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.

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