NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A district attorney in Tennessee has been charged with reckless endangerment after he allegedly fired his weapon at a fugitive, unintentionally striking a nearby home where a woman and her three children were present. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation revealed the indictment concerning District Attorney Chris Stanford, who oversees legal duties in Van Buren and Warren counties.

According to the indictment, the incident occurred in Smithville on November 21. Reports indicate that a bullet discharged from Stanford’s handgun penetrated a front porch patio chair and subsequently passed through the exterior and into the living room wall of the residence. Fortunately, the woman and her children did not sustain any injuries during this dangerous event.

Smithville is located roughly 60 miles (97 kilometers) southeast of Nashville. The indictment states that Stanford’s actions were “unlawful, intentional, and reckless,” asserting that there was no immediate threat to his safety or that of others at the time. It emphasizes that he did not properly aim his firearm, merely “held it out and shot,” neglecting to utilize the gun’s sights.

After the indictment, Stanford turned himself in at the DeKalb County Jail and was subsequently released after posting a bond set at $10,000. A response to inquiries directed at Stanford’s office was not received as of Tuesday.

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office provided context around the events leading up to the shooting. In a social media update, they explained that law enforcement was in pursuit of suspects following the discovery of three deceased individuals in a residence and an adjacent building.

Authorities spotted the suspects in DeKalb County, where one was apprehended without complications. Stanford, along with other police personnel, were engaged in a chase to capture the other suspect, who was a passenger in a car involved in the incident. According to the sheriff’s office, the car’s driver allegedly struck a homeland security officer during this altercation.

In a statement given to WTVF-TV last month, Stanford defended his decision to discharge his weapon, claiming he acted in response to the homeland security officer being hit. Remarkably, no individuals were shot during this ordeal, although the homeland security officer did sustain injuries and was later transported to a hospital, as noted by District Attorney Bryant Dunaway on social media.

“Upon spotting the vehicle accelerate toward me and others, I discharged my service weapon out of concern for my safety and that of others present. Based on my training and the immediate circumstances, I feel my actions were both necessary and justified,” Stanford stated.

Stanford further mentioned to the news outlet that he possesses a state law enforcement certification that allows him to carry his firearm at all times. The two suspects associated with the three fatalities have been apprehended and charged with criminal homicide, while the driver who struck the officer is facing charges for felony evading arrest and aggravated assault, as outlined by the sheriff’s office.