JACKSON, Tenn. (WKRN) – A special agent with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was shot and killed during a drug investigation in Jackson, about two hours west of Nashville
In what the bureau calls “one of the toughest days in our agency’s history,” Special Agent De’Greaun Frazier died while operating undercover Tuesday afternoon.
He is the first agent to die in the line of duty in the state of Tennessee.
Authorities said Agent Frazier was among several agents working alongside the Metro Narcotics Unit in a controlled buy inside a car in the area of Brianfield Cove.
Frazier met the suspect to buy drugs when the suspect reportedly pulled a firearm in an attempt to rob him and an informant sitting in the front seat.
The TBI says the suspect fired one time, hitting Agent Frazier. The 35-year-old died a short time later at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.
The suspect was taken into custody by law enforcement officers a short distance away in the area of Tinker Hill Cove.
Charges are pending, and TBI Director Mark Gwyn says those charges will likely amount to murder.
Frazier joined the TBI in February 2016 after working as a police officer with the Millington Police Department. He also served on a DEA Task Force.
In a press release, Director Gwyn described him as “exactly what we look for in a TBI agent: hard-working, enthusiastic, and dedicated to making Tennessee a better place to live.”
“We are deeply saddened by his death and will work aggressively to investigate this case to its fullest. His commitment to our agency and public service will not be forgotten,” he added.
While speaking to media Tuesday evening, Gwyn asked all citizens of the state of Tennessee to join with them in keeping Agent Frazier’s family in their thoughts.
“We have agents all over the state doing what Agent Frazier was doing, and all we can do is pray they make it home safely, and sadly today that prayer was not answered,” he added.