Friday 29th March 2024
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More Details Provided By Henry Co. Sheriff’s Office On Standoff

indoor-standoff

Paris, Tenn.–The Henry County Sheriff’s Office has provided more details of today’s day-long standoff which resulted in three deaths at the Indoor Comfort and Heating business on Hwy. 79N a few miles outside of Paris.

The following is the full press release from the sheriff’s office:

“Earlier today the Henry County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call at Indoor Comfort on Hwy 79N in reference to an assault in progress. The initial investigation revealed that Bobby Mercer, the owner of the business, had parked a vehicle at a hidden location and then approached and entered the building from the rear. Once inside Mercer made his way to the front of the business and located his estranged wife, Amanda Mercer and opened fire on her as two other employees fled on foot and escaped. Mercer then came back in through the front door and fired fatal shots at Cindy Townsend as she was on 911 with an emergency dispatcher. Once deputies arrived on the scene a perimeter was set up along with assistance from Paris Police Department and THP. As the perimeter was set up Cindy Townsend’s condition was unknown.

“Sheriff Belew, along with THP hostage negotiator Lt. Hosek and FBI hostage negotiators began text messaging with Bobby Mercer who told them that Cindy was safe inside and was unharmed. Multiple attempts were made during the eight hour stand off to speak to Cindy or for Mercer to show proof of life to negotiators. Mercer was unwilling to provide any proof in his claims that Cindy was ok. After negotiations were halted by Mercer the THP Tactical Team was called to the scene to assist along with tactical teams from HCSO and Paris PD. The team deployed a camera equipped robot into the business which showed Mercer by himself attempting to barricade himself in. The teams then began to breach the windows and insert tear gas into the business. When Mercer did not come out a more intrusive breach was conducted. Once the teams were inside they located Mercer with a fatal self inflicted gunshot wound. The crime scene is currently being worked by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, DTF and HCSO Investigators.

 

“This has been a tragic day in Henry County and one that will not soon be forgotten, our hearts go out to the families of the victims and they will remain in our thoughts and prayers.”.

Photo: Sheriff Monte Belew, Medical Examiner Danny Tucker, Chief Deputy Damon Lowe and Captain Adam Jenkins confer at the entrance of Indoor Comfort after the standoff was over.

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