Hawkins County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee
End of Watch: Thursday, July 13, 2000
Age: 53
Tour of Duty: 15 years
Badge Number: 315
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 13, 2000
Weapon Used: Rifle; .30-.30
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life in prison
Deputy Gerald "Bubba" Gibson was shot and killed during a 13 hour standoff with a burglary suspect.
A police canine had tracked the suspect from a business to the suspect's home. When other officers arrived, the suspect brandished a shotgun and threatened to shoot them. During the ensuing standoff, the officers prepared for a tactical entry. Deputy Gibson was approximately 40 feet away from the residence. He was preparing to fire a tear gas canister, when the suspect opened fire with a 30-30 rifle. The deputy was struck in the head.
The suspect was arrested approximately six hours later while attempting to escape. He was charged with murder and later pled guilty, receiving a life sentence.
Deputy Gibson had been with the Hawkins County Sheriff's Department for 15 years, and was a US military veteran. He is survived by his wife and two grown daughters.