Nine officers injured in Estill Springs meth fire

photo Sherman Hargrove

A meth lab fire Sunday night in Franklin County injured nine officers who answered a domestic violence call in Estill Springs.

A woman called authorities around 8:30 p.m. CST from the All Seasons Campground in Estill Springs, Tenn., where she said Sherman Hargrove, of Decherd Estill Road Lot #13, Winchester, Tenn., had been assaulting her all day and that he had a methamphetamine lab and chemicals for production of the clandestine drug, according to Franklin County Sheriff's Office spokesman Sgt. Chris Guess.

The woman said Hargrove had "threatened harm to anyone who came to the residence to confront him," Guess said in a release.

Franklin County deputies were assisting Estill Springs Police and had set up a perimeter around a trailer at the campground and tried to make contact with Hargrove. Failing that, officers tried to get through the door, Guess said.

"Mr. Hargrove then appeared at front door and initiated a fire," Guess said. ""Law enforcement officers then attempted to remove all dangerous and flammable chemicals from the residence to prevent an acceleration of fire or explosion."

Hargrove retreated to the bedroom of the trailer and tried to get out a window where he was captured by deputies.

While Estill Springs firefighters put out the fire, nine officers were taken to Southern Tennessee Medical Center for treatment of exposure to chemical fumes and contaminated air, according to officials.

All the officers were treated and released "with some follow up treatment and medical procedures expected," Guess said.

Hargrove was charged with nine counts of aggravated assault, domestic violence assault and resisting arrest. He is being held on $250,000 bond and faces a court date on Jan. 9.

Upcoming Events