Resident shot during alleged home invasion

A White County man was shot during a home invasion early this morning, with the suspect still at-large.

According to Sheriff Steve Page, the incident occurred in the north end of the county. White County Emergency Communications dispatched a call to an address on Old Cookeville Road, at approximately 6:05 a.m., Aug. 20, 2021, which stated “shots fired at the shop.”

According to Sheriff Page, the resident at the address confronted the suspect at which time the resident was allegedly shot by the suspect. Page stated the resident is expected to recover.

The suspect then reportedly fled the scene.

Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger issued a statement within a couple of hours after the incident that stated Northfield Elementary School was on a “soft lockdown today due to a police search in the area.”

Northfield Elementary is within close proximity to the alleged home invasion.

"There is no perceived threat to the school, but we are taking extra precautions to keep students and staff safe," Dronebarger said in the statement issued on the morning of Aug. 20.  "There is an extra police presence on-site and a normal school day will continue inside the building. We will provide an update to parents later in the day. We do ask that parents avoid calling the school unnecessarily as this ties up the communication lines. Northfield is safe and secure, and as always, our team has made the safety of our students their top priority."

Sheriff Page said the incident is still under investigation. Further details will be provided as soon as they are available.

If anyone has any information about this incident, please call Sheriff Page or Detective Wade Pike at (931) 836-3621.