Comer charged with aggravated assault in shooting

Suspect turned himself in Friday morning, according to sources

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- Jessie Phillip “Bill” Comer is behind bars this afternoon as the result of a Thursday evening shooting, based on police reports.

Comer, 76, of 242 Farris Circle, La Follette turned himself in to authorities around 9:30 Friday morning and was taken into custody. He was charged with aggravated assault.

Sheriff Wayne Barton said it is believed Comer and another man were arguing over a lawn mower when the shot was fired. The victim was allegedly struck in the stomach and later airlifted to a Knoxville hospital. Authorities have not been able to interview him yet, Barton said.

During the investigation, it was determined the neighbors verbal altercation escalated and Comer shot the victim with a BB-gun or Pellet Gun, according to Barton. An extensive search for Comer was conducted throughout Thursday night, based on a release from the sheriff’s office.

The incident came in to Central Dispatch Thursday at 6:10pm from a home on Chapman Crest Road. That’s near Judy’s Grocery on Old Middlesboro Highway.

WLAF’s Susan Sharp broke the story early Friday and shares her report HERE. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 09/06/2024-1PM)