Dennis Dean Morrell

Deadly force

Officers went to Morrell's house to check on him at the request of a family member. Morrell was not home but soon arrived. He went around the police cruiser. Officers tried to stop Morrell, but he went inside. Deputies knew Morrell's wife was inside the home and thought the situation had developed into a hostage incident. Negotiations started immediately. The woman eventually left the house. Officers obtained an emergency custody order and deployed tear gas. When Morrell finally came out, police shot him with bean bags, but they had no effect on him. When Morrell pointed his weapon at one of the deputies, police shot him. He later died at Bristol Regional Medical Center.