Crime & Safety
Sullivan County, TN SWAT Standoff: Man Allegedly Threatens K9
Kingsport, TN – A late night law enforcement response in Sullivan County escalated into a SWAT standoff after a wanted Kingsport man allegedly threatened to shoot deputies and a police K9 before firin
By Sophie Caldwell · 2026-11-04T20:13:44.907Z
Kingsport, TN – A late night law enforcement response in Sullivan County escalated into a SWAT standoff after a wanted Kingsport man allegedly threatened to shoot deputies and a police K9 before firing a gun inside a garage Tuesday night.
According to the Sullivan County Sheriff 's Office, deputies responded to the 2000 block of Flanders Street around 11 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, while searching for 48 year old Jerome Ball of Kingsport.
Authorities said deputies located Ball inside a garage and ordered him to come outside. Ball allegedly threatened to shoot a police K9 and deputies if they entered the structure.
Investigators reported that Ball then discharged a firearm inside the garage, striking the roof.
SWAT Team Responds After Alleged Gunfire
The Sheriff's Office activated its SWAT team, which responded to the property and began negotiations.
After several hours, SWAT officers entered the garage around 3 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, and located Ball with a loaded firearm on his lap.
Authorities said Ball also appeared to be experiencing a medical emergency.
During the investigation, deputies reportedly discovered multiple types of drugs, firearm magazines and ammunition.
Ball was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment before being released and booked into the Sullivan County Jail.
Seven Charges Filed Following Standoff
According to the Sheriff's Office, Ball faces three felony charges involving controlled substances, possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, and reckless endangerment involving discharging a firearm into a habitation.
He also faces four misdemeanor charges involving unlawful weapon possession, resisting arrest, drug paraphernalia and simple drug possession or casual exchange.
As of the Sheriff's Office's Wednesday afternoon update, bond had not been set.
The allegations remain pending, and Ball is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.