Tennessee officer injured in inmate escape attempt, hostage situation

James Richard McCutchen
James Richard McCutchen
photo James Richard McCutchen

GALLATIN, Tenn. -- Authorities in Tennessee say an officer was injured during an inmate escape attempt and hostage situation at the Sumner County jail.

The incident happened Wednesday evening as a Westmoreland officer was transporting 40-year-old James Richard McCutchen to the jail, Sheriff Sonny Weatherford told local news outlets.

Gallatin police say McCutchen got out of his handcuffs and struggled with the officer. Police say McCutchen then jumped into the officer's patrol car, but was stopped by the security gate. Police say McCutchen then grabbed a shotgun from the vehicle and got out.

Weatherford said McCutchen pointed the gun at officers, who fired at him but missed.

McCutchen ran into the jail visitation center, where he ordered about 30 people to the floor, authorities said. He was later taken into custody after a corrections officer and a citizen tackled him.

The officer, who suffered minor injuries, was transported to the hospital for treatment, authorities said.

Police say McCutchen has been charged with especially aggravated kidnapping and three counts of aggravated assault in addition to the original charges he was being booked on, which included domestic violence, vandalism and outstanding warrants from another county.

The investigation is ongoing.

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