Hawkins Co., Tenn. -- The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation will take the lead on a frightening and tragic case out of Church Hill.
Hawkins County Sheriff Roger Christian said his officers received a welfare check request around 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
Someone was concerned 47-year-old John Webb Sr., a resident of 106 Chandler Circle in Church Hill, was in danger.
When deputies arrived, they learned Webb was heavily armed with guns and explosives, Christian said.
Things moved very quickly once they got there.
According to Dan O'Leary (he lives less than 100 yards from the Webb residence), deputies set up a blockade at both ends of the street. A short time later, Webb left his garage in full army combat gear -- helmet included.
Webb was staggering, O'Leary said.
"We attempted to speak with him, at which time he raised the weapon and fired at the officers," Christian said. "Officers did return fire, striking Mr. Webb, and he subsequently died."
Emergency workers took Webb to an area hospital. He died a short time after the shooting.
The Kingsport Bomb Squad removed several home-made devices from the scene Saturday night.
Christian could not answer the following questions this early in the investigation:
1. Were drugs or alcohol a factor?
2. How many gunshot wounds did Webb suffer?
3. Who shot Webb?
4. Who called in the welfare check?
T.B.I. Will pick up the investigation from here, Christian said.
So, who was John Webb? Neighbors said he was a man well-acquainted with tragedy.
"I didn't really know John that well, but had no complaints," O'Leary said. "He kept to himself. He lost his son. He lost his wife -- lot of things for a man to have to deal with," he said.
According to 11 Connects archives, Webb lost his 16-year-old son in March of 2005.
John Webb Jr. swerved in front of a pickup truck on Carter's Valley Road days after earning his driver's license.
The truck crashed into the passenger side of John Webb Jr.'s car. The impact killed him and 15-year-old passenger Megan Anyx.
O'Leary said John Webb Sr. Lost his wife since then.
For a video version of this report, click the play icon above.
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