Update on Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Involved Shooting

NASHVILLE - On Tuesday, March 5, Trooper Tyler Oliphant of the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) was running radar in the median on I-65 in Robertson County. Trooper Oliphant witnessed an SUV traveling at a high rate of speed northbound, and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The SUV exited the interstate at exit 112, ran a stop sign, and made a sharp left turn onto Highway 25. The SUV struck a tractor trailer and went down an embankment where it came to rest. 

When Trooper Oliphant arrived, the driver, identified as Montreal Lamont Batey, exited the vehicle and pulled a gun on Trooper Oliphant. Trooper Oliphant fired his gun striking Batey. Batey was flown to a Nashville hospital for medical treatment.  Trooper Oliphant was not hurt. A firearm was recovered near Batey’s vehicle.  Trooper Oliphant joined the THP as a road trooper in June 2017.

The investigation, which is still active, is being conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).  We will send an update once we have a resolution from the TBI.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to serve, secure, and protect the people of Tennessee. 

###