Executive Summary
- Chad Eric Hefner, 38, was arrested following a standoff on Blue Springs Parkway.
- Officers responded to reports of a burglary and the theft of several firearms.
- The suspect allegedly barricaded himself inside, threatened violence, and discharged a weapon.
- Police utilized less-than-lethal tactics to secure the suspect after failed negotiations.
MOSHEIM, Tenn. — A 38-year-old man was taken into custody on Tuesday evening following a reported burglary and multi-hour standoff with law enforcement on Blue Springs Parkway. The Mosheim Police Department (MPD) confirmed the arrest of Chad Eric Hefner after specialized tactics were deployed to resolve the situation.
According to a news release issued by the MPD, officers were dispatched to the 7100 block of Blue Springs Parkway shortly after 4:30 p.m. in response to a reported burglary and the theft of firearms. Upon investigation, authorities alleged that Hefner had broken into the residence and removed several weapons. A witness at the scene reportedly informed officers that Hefner was under the influence of narcotics and alcohol, and allegedly claimed he “was going to kill people.”
Law enforcement officials state that Hefner refused to vacate the premises and barricaded himself inside the home. Despite multiple attempts by police to negotiate a peaceful surrender, the suspect reportedly remained non-compliant. During the standoff, the MPD release indicates that Hefner broke a window, threw various items at officers, and screamed at law enforcement personnel. Officers on the scene also reported hearing gunshots originating from inside the residence near the broken window.
The standoff concluded several hours later when police utilized “less than lethal tactics” to extract Hefner from the home. The MPD was assisted during the operation by the Greene County Sheriff’s Department, Sevierville Police Department, Greene County EMS, and the Town of Mosheim Fire Department.
Investigative Outlook & Public Safety
The resolution of this high-risk incident highlights the operational protocols utilized by law enforcement when confronting armed and barricaded subjects, particularly when narcotics and firearms are involved. The coordination between the Mosheim Police Department and neighboring agencies was essential in managing the perimeter and deploying de-escalation resources to prevent injury to the public or officers. As the investigation proceeds, the Greene County legal system will review the evidence regarding the alleged burglary, firearm theft, and discharge of a weapon to determine formal charges. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
