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State Police shot and killed 33-year-old Brian Batten about 5:20 p.m. yesterday near the home of his mother, Linda Miller, after Batten reportedly opened fire on officers.
The Roane County Sheriff's Department responded to a 911 call reporting Batten was agitated and causing problems at his mother's residence.
The shootout occurred in the woods near Arnoldsburg Road, US 33-119 east of Spencer.
State Police responded to the scene to assist the Roane County Sheriff's Department, after Batten fled into the woods with a gun.
Batten had reportedly become agitated and attempted to obtain his mother's car, damaging it. A call for assistance was made to 911 about 1 p.m.
When troopers from the Spencer Detachment entered the woods, police say Batten opened fire. He was killed by troopers who shot back.
Batten was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported.
A dozen or more units responded to the scene, including the State Police's Special Response Unit and chopper, commonly called a SWAT team.
Neighbors reported hearing gunshots after hearing Batten screaming.
Neighbor's said Batten had moved into his mother's house Wednesday.
Batten had prior problems with the law and was reportedly on probation.
The incident happened at the same spot where John Moorehead was murdered and his trailer set on fire in December 2002.
A newer mobile home was moved on the property within the last year.
The Spencer Detachment is investigating the shooting. More information is expected to be released today.
PHOTO of scene in earlier Herald story
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