MAURY COUNTY, Tenn. — A routine call for help turned deadly early Friday morning when a man was fatally shot by deputies outside a Columbia gas station. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has launched a formal inquiry into the officer-involved shooting, which occurred around 3 a.m. at a station on the 2400 block of New Lewisburg Highway.
Authorities say Maury County deputies responded to a report involving possible drug activity and a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, they found 25-year-old Clayton Tyler Dodson and a woman sitting inside a parked car on the side of the station. As deputies approached and began speaking with the pair, the situation escalated rapidly and violently.
According to preliminary findings, Dodson suddenly produced a firearm and opened fire, hitting one of the deputies. Fortunately, the bullet struck the deputy’s protective vest, preventing serious injury. In response, both deputies drew their weapons and returned fire, striking Dodson multiple times. Emergency medical personnel rushed Dodson to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The deputy who was shot suffered only minor injuries and is expected to recover fully. Authorities have not yet released the names of the deputies involved or the woman who was with Dodson at the time. It is unclear whether she was injured or if she will face any charges related to the incident.
As is standard in officer-involved shootings, the TBI is now leading an independent investigation to determine what led to the exchange of gunfire. Investigators are collecting evidence, reviewing any available body camera footage, and interviewing witnesses. Their findings will be turned over to the district attorney’s office for review.
The violent encounter has reignited discussions about the risks law enforcement officers face when responding to domestic or drug-related calls. A situation that began as a check on a couple in a parked car ended in tragedy within moments. Authorities have not yet said whether Dodson had a criminal record or was under the influence at the time of the shooting.
Officials are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. As the investigation continues, many in the community are left stunned by the sudden violence and are hoping for answers as the TBI works to piece together exactly what happened in those early morning hours.
