Middlesboro Man In Custody After A Reported Shooting Leading to Lockdowns

From WRIL The Big One -

Paul Rogers Jr.

While a more detailed press release is expceted from the Middlesboro Police Department regarding an early morning shooting, here is what we have learned.

As we previously reported, a short time before 9:45 am, Middlesboro Dispatch received a call of a reported shooting after a vehicle was found in the parking lot of Kentucky Fried Chicken off of Cumberland Avenue with a gun shot in the driver's side front window. Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson states it was consistent with that of a shotgun. While the shot did not exit the passenger side, it did internal damage to the window.

Video surveillance footage from a nearby business was reviewed by police to determine who may have left the vehicle in the parking lot. During the investigation it was determined that the incident started in the are of KFC, the Bowling Law Office, the Commonwealth Attorney's office, and Middlesboro ARH HomeCare Store parking lot.

Due to the nature of the incident and unknown motive, the schools and hospital were notified for precaution. This led the hospital and Middlesboro Independent School System to go on a soft lockdown with increased entry protocols. (While initally thought by the public to have happened near the hospital and schools, that was not the case.) SKCTC also cancelled classes for the rest of the day.

We understand from Sgt. Johnson that an individual identified as 38-year-old Paul Rogers Jr. of Middlesboro has been arrested after it was determined that he was fighting with, and assaulted, his sister. The discharge of the weapon happened during the altercation.

Rodgers was found at Fords Wood Park with the help of the Claiborne County Tennessee Sheriff's Department and taken into custody without further incident. Rogers was found in possession of the shotgun and a handgun, both used in connection with the incident.

Paul Rogers Jr. has been lodged in the Bell County Detention Center charged with wanton endangerment - 1st degree, wanton endangerment - 1st degree - discharge of firearm, (2) two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, assault - 4th degree (domestic violence), and he was served a failure to appear warrant.

Further details of the investigation may be clarified when the MPD issues its press release.