Gregory Allen Denton
The Anderson County man who surrendered as officers prepared to use tear gas after an eight-hour standoff that started on Batley Road early Wednesday morning had fired a handgun at his renters, the Sheriff’s Department said.
Gregory Allen Denton, 50, of Batley Road, had allegedly assaulted Benjamin Emory, 47, inside the home and then fired a shot at him, Anderson County Sheriff Paul White said in a press release. Denton is also accused of shooting at Emory’s girlfriend, Angela Badgett, 45, as she fled from the home. Neither Emory or Badgett were shot.
Deputies responded to the shots-fired call near Oliver Springs at about 3 a.m. Wednesday. When they arrived, they found Emory injured from the assault on the rear porch and took him to safety. Emory was treated by Anderson County Emergency Medical Services, White said.
But Denton refused to come to the door, so deputies secured the scene, and the department’s tactical, or SWAT, team was called. Denton did not respond, despite many attempts to contact him, White said.
“Denton reportedly had several weapons in him home, including long guns,” the sheriff said. “After about eight hours, the tactical team was preparing to deploy tear gas when he finally surrendered.”
Denton has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault and is being held in the Anderson County Detention Facility in Clinton without bond pending arraignment.
The sheriff’s tactical team was assisted by members of the Oak Ridge Police Department SWAT team.
“This case is still under investigation, and no further information can be released at this time,” the sheriff said.
Batley Road is on the north side of Oliver Springs Highway, or Highway 61, north of Oak Ridge.
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