Steven Lee Howell

Deadly force

Howell had some injuries when he was booked at the Rhea County Jail, so two deputies took him to the hospital for treatment. At the hospital, Potter said, Howell "became belligerent" and was "aggressive physically and verbally."Howell struggled with one deputy in a treatment room and managed to get his service weapon, Potter said."The second officer that entered the room at that time had to fire a shot at Mr. Howell," he said. Emergency room staff pronounced Howell dead.