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Sheriff's Dept. apprehends murder suspect following high-speed chase
SPECIAL TO THE STATE GAZETTE
[DYER COUNTY, TN] October 19, 2024 - A suspect, Jackson Hopper, 26, is in custody after a police chase ended in Dyer County.
A murder occurred at Shelby Farms earlier in the day and the suspect ran from law enforcement authorities in Shelby County, which led them on a multi-county high-speed pursuit.
The shooting happened around 12:15 p.m. in the parking lot of the Visitor Center at Shelby Farms Park.
The pursuit transitioned through Tipton County and Lauderdale County and was intercepted by Dyer County Deputies on Highway 51 as the vehicle continued going the wrong way into oncoming traffic.
The suspect attempted to use his vehicle as deadly force to run over Dyer County Sergeant Lynn Waller, who set up spike strips at the county line.
The pursuit ended when Dyer County Deputy Newman heroically performed a PIT maneuver inside Dyer County on Highway 51.
Hopper was taken into custody and was transported to a local emergency room for evaluation by Medical Center EMS. Upon searching the vehicle, a loaded handgun was taken as evidence.
Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box stated, “Our agency is praying for the family of the young woman and we are thankful Sgt. Waller and Deputy Newman were not hurt as they performed their sworn duties to serve and protect our citizens. Furthermore, we appreciate all the agencies coming together which include Shelby County, Tipton County, Lauderdale County, Mason PD, Halls PD, and the THP.”
Hopper is being charged with first-degree murder. He is charged with the murder of 22-year-old Ellie Claire Young of Henning, Tennessee on Saturday at Shelby Farms.
The Shelby County Sheriff's Office has said the homicide is domestic-related but the investigation is ongoing.