Authorities Search for Armed Shooting Suspect in Madison County

Sheriff's office says suspect fled scene after Friday night incident on Kentucky River Road.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:50pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent shell casing on a dark, textured surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash to create a gritty, investigative aesthetic without any words or identifiable elements.A stark, investigative image of physical evidence from a violent crime scene, reflecting the urgent need to apprehend the armed suspect at large.Lenoir City Today

The Madison County Sheriff's Office is searching for a suspect identified as 38-year-old Christopher Morphis of Lenoir City, Tennessee, following a Friday night shooting incident on Kentucky River Road that left one victim with a gunshot wound and another threatened with a firearm. Morphis fled the scene in a van that was later found abandoned, and authorities say he should be considered armed and dangerous.

Why it matters

Gun violence and armed suspects at-large raise serious public safety concerns in the community. This incident highlights the need for effective law enforcement response and coordination to apprehend dangerous individuals and protect residents.

The details

According to deputies, they responded to reports of a shooting on Kentucky River Road around 10 p.m. on Friday and found two victims. One victim had suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and other injuries, while the other reported being threatened with a firearm. Morphis, the identified suspect, fled the scene in a van that was later found abandoned on Carver's Ferry Road, where authorities believe he ran away on foot. Video footage showed a male suspect running along Kentucky River Road early Saturday morning.

  • The incident occurred around 10 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2026.
  • The abandoned van was found on Carver's Ferry Road early Saturday morning.

The players

Christopher Morphis

A 38-year-old man from Lenoir City, Tennessee, who is the suspect identified by the Madison County Sheriff's Office in the Friday night shooting incident.

Madison County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency leading the investigation and search for the armed suspect.

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What’s next

Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about Morphis' whereabouts to call 911, as he is considered armed and dangerous. The investigation is ongoing.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of effective law enforcement response and community cooperation to apprehend dangerous suspects and maintain public safety in the region.