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TBI: Virginia man arrested after firing at Hamblen County Sheriff's deputies

The officer's vehicle was struck by at least one bullet, according to deputies.

HAMBLEN COUNTY, Tenn. — A suspect driving a hijacked car reportedly fired at Hamblen County Sheriff's deputies Thursday as they were chasing him, according to the sheriff's office.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said that Christopher Allen Deel, 32, was charged with one count of attempted first-degree murder and three counts of felony reckless endangerment.

Photo courtesy of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

During the chase, which started in Knoxville and ended in Hamblen County, Deel reportedly fired at least four shots and hit a deputy's vehicle. The sheriff's office said the deputy is OK.

Investigators said he ditched the stolen vehicle near Fernwood Church Road in Morristown and then attempted to kick in the front doors of two different houses in to gain entry. After that, he reportedly hijacked a car from a female driver and took her hostage, officers said.

The K-9 Unit arrived, and a dog called Nexy "resolved the issue," according to the sheriff's office.

He was booked into the Hamblen County Jail where he is being held on a $1.6 million bond, according to TBI.

Photo courtesy of Hamblen County Sheriff's Office

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