Tennessee couple dead after shootout with Texas law enforcement while allegedly transporting drugs
Once stopped, the duo exited the vehicle and began firing on first responders, which resulted in their death, PCSO said.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A Putnam County couple is dead following a shootout with Texas law enforcement while allegedly transporting illegal drugs, according to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office said its drug unit began investigating Elizabeth and Edward Stevenson through undercover buys of illegal drugs. That investigation resulted in a search warrant being executed on May 9.
During the search, PCSO said nearly a pound of methamphetamine, fentanyl, multiple firearms, body armor and ammunition was found inside the home. At the time of the search, detectives received information that the duo was driving a semi-truck back through Texas with illegal drugs and were armed.
PCSO said the Stevensons have made statements that they would die by “suicide by cop” if law enforcement attempted to stop them. Detectives notified Texas officials of the situation and began working with them.
Donley County Sheriff’s deputies attempted to stop the Stevensons, however, they eluded deputies for several miles before coming to a stop. Once stopped, the duo exited the vehicle and began firing on first responders, which resulted in their death, PCSO said.
After searching the vehicle, law enforcement found 64 pounds of cocaine, which has a street value of about $3.4 million.
“This was great work by the PCSO Drug Unit to take down a massive illegal drug operation here in Putnam County. This is a direct result of the Nation’s Open Border Policies which makes it much easier for Mexican cartel members and their associates to bring in these illegal drugs into smaller communities and in this case Putnam County. The cocaine would have likely been mixed with the deadly drug Fentanyl before being sold to individuals. The immediate working relationship with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office formed with the Donley County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety was invaluable in this incident and I am very thankful for it. I would also like to thank the citizens of Putnam County for their help and calling in with these anonymous tips. Anytime you see anything that you feel is suspicious, please call us and we will investigate it. In this particular incident it most likely saved lives,” Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris said.
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