A grand jury in DeKalb County has indicted Warren County District Attorney Chris Stanford after he discharged his weapon during a police chase in Smithville last month. The incident, which occurred while pursuing a triple murder suspect from Warren County, has led to serious legal repercussions for the 43-year-old attorney.
Stanford has been charged with reckless endangerment, a felony, and was booked into the DeKalb County Jail on Monday.
According to reports, during the pursuit, a bullet fired by Stanford struck a patio chair on the front porch of a nearby home, penetrated the exterior wall, and came to rest in the interior living room wall. At the time of the incident, the home was occupied by a mother and her three minor children, placing them in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury.
Police investigations revealed that when the bullet was discharged, there was no immediate threat to Stanford or others. Evidence indicates that Stanford was not aiming the handgun, did not utilize the gun's sights, and merely held it out while firing.
Despite Stanford's claims of being POST-certified and having participated in firearms training, the Tennessee Department of Insurance and Commerce has confirmed that there are no records to support his assertions.
After his arrest, Stanford was released after posting a $10,000 bond.
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