The suspect in the killing of Grundy Deputy Anthony Shane Tate and the shooting of Monteagle Officer Brian Malhoit this morning has been eluding police for several months on a separate charge, authorities said.

During a news conference, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman Kristen Helm said police have been trying to serve Kermit Eugene Bryson, 29, with a warrant for probation violation for the past six to eight months.

Mr.Bryson opened fire inside his trailer when officers came in to serve a warrant for probation violation, police said. He had violated his probation with a felony drug charge for marijuana, authorities said.