Gunfire Erupts on Maynardville Highway in Shocking Rolling Shootout; Crash and Police Intervention Follow

MAYNARDVILLE, Tenn. — What began as an ordinary Wednesday evening in the peaceful town of Maynardville quickly spiraled into a scene of chaos and danger, as a rolling shootout between multiple vehicles unfolded along the busy Maynardville Highway just before 7:00 p.m.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office, along with Maynardville Police, responded swiftly after multiple 911 calls flooded dispatch reporting gunfire coming from vehicles traveling at high speed along the highway. Witnesses described a harrowing scene — vehicles weaving in and out of traffic, windows down, firearms brandished, and bullets being fired across lanes of evening traffic.

Shortly after the gunfire was reported, one of the vehicles involved crashed near a major intersection, prompting immediate police response. At least one suspect was taken into custody at the scene, while others reportedly fled on foot or in separate vehicles. Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of suspects involved or whether any additional arrests have been made as of Thursday morning.

🔍 Ongoing Investigation

As of now, Union County authorities have not released the identities of those involved, nor have they confirmed the motive behind the mobile gun battle. The condition of any injured individuals has not yet been disclosed, though first responders and emergency medical teams were seen treating people at the crash site.

Law enforcement agencies remained on scene well into the night, shutting down sections of Maynardville Highway to collect shell casings, document vehicle damage, and interview witnesses. Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses, along with traffic cameras and dashcam submissions from drivers who witnessed the shootout unfold in real time.

“This was a terrifying and reckless act that put countless lives at risk,” said Union County Sheriff Billy Breeding. “We’re doing everything we can to identify every person involved and ensure they’re held accountable.”

Community Shocked by Violence

Maynardville, a quiet town known more for its scenic beauty than criminal activity, is reeling from the sudden outbreak of violence. Residents near the scene of the incident reported hearing loud pops that at first sounded like fireworks, only to realize they were gunshots.

“I grabbed my kids and got down as soon as I heard it,” said Amanda Lowry, who was leaving a nearby grocery store at the time. “This is Maynardville — things like this just don’t happen here.”

Local business owners expressed concern over safety, noting the proximity of the gunfire to schools, parks, and residential neighborhoods.

“It’s outrageous,” said Calvin Moore, a mechanic whose shop faces the highway. “We’re lucky no bystanders were killed. This kind of violence has no place in our town.”

📢 Authorities Seeking Information

As the investigation continues, law enforcement is urging members of the public to come forward with any information, particularly those who may have seen the vehicles involved or have dashcam footage from the 6:30–7:00 p.m. window on Maynardville Highway.

Tips can be reported to the Union County Sheriff’s Office at (865) 992-5212, or anonymously through East Tennessee Crime Stoppers.

Officials are also asking local mechanics and auto body shops to be on alert for vehicles brought in with bullet damage in the coming days, which could aid in identifying additional suspects.

⚖️ Charges Likely as Arrests Continue

While details remain fluid, charges including felony reckless endangerment, illegal possession of firearms, aggravated assault, and attempted murder are likely as the investigation unfolds. The involvement of multiple agencies, including the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), suggests the case may expand beyond local jurisdiction, especially if organized criminal activity is suspected.

🔒 A Community on Edge, but United

Though shaken, Maynardville residents have rallied behind law enforcement and are calling for increased patrols and community vigilance. A town meeting is expected to be scheduled in the coming week to address public concerns and provide updates on the case.

“We won’t let fear define our community,” said Mayor Tyler Hurst in a statement Thursday morning. “We trust our law enforcement to get to the bottom of this, and we ask our citizens to remain alert and united.”

As investigators work to reconstruct the chaotic series of events, one fact is clear: Maynardville will not soon forget the night bullets flew down its main thoroughfare, endangering innocent lives and shattering the town’s sense of peace. The community now waits for justice—and answers.