MURFREEBORO, Tenn. – A 56-year-old man accused of domestic assault was taken into custody peacefully after brandishing a handgun during a traffic stop.
The incident took place Sunday afternoon in Murfreesboro.
Sergeant Todd Hammond from the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office had responded to a home on Lytle Creek Road after reports of James McCurley assaulting his wife that day and the day before.
A short time later, Sgt. Hammond was completing his report on the incident when he saw McCurley’s wife drive by, honking her horn. McCurley was seen in a vehicle following his wife.
Hammond followed the vehicles back to the couple’s home and approached McCurley, who was still sitting in the driver’s seat.
McCurley then reportedly pulled out a handgun. Officials said Sgt. Hammond drew his service weapon and backed away from the vehicle to call for backup.
Mrs. McCurley and her mother were still seated about 10 feet away in the other vehicle and unable to exit safely.
Four other crews from the Sheriff’s Office were quickly on the scene. McCurley reportedly told them he didn’t have anything to live for.
After about 14 to 15 minutes of coaxing, McCurley dropped the handgun. He was taken into custody and and booked into the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center on charges of aggravated assault, driving under the influence – third offense, and two counts of domestic assault.
He was released on $33,500 bond. A court hearing was scheduled for August 27.
