Tennessee Highway Patrol Utilizes Aviation to Locate Domestic Assault Suspect in Henderson County

NASHVILLE--- The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Aviation Unit helped locate a suspect involved in an alleged domestic dispute in Henderson County during the early morning hours on Wednesday.

The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office requested aerial support in search of a 35-year old white male, who allegedly assaulted his wife with a rifle before fleeing her residence. A THP K-9 unit and several Henderson County Sheriff’s Deputies initiated a ground search that led them to the suspect’s truck along the edge of a large field behind the residence.

By this time, a THP pilot, along with his F.L.I.R. operator, began an aerial search of the suspect. (F.L.I.R. is a Forward-Looking Infra-Red that detects infrared energy (heat) and produces a thermal image.) They located a target near the position of where the K-9 lost track, and advised ground units of the possible location of the suspect.

Once the ground units approached the area, the Highway Patrol K-9 handler released his dog in case the suspect was still armed. The suspect, Jeremy McGill, 35, was then taken into custody without incident.   

The search took place at approximately 1:45 a.m. on Wednesday. The aviation troopers located the suspect and led units to his location in just under an hour.

Booking photos may be obtained from the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to serve, secure, and protect the people of Tennessee.