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A member of the Roane County Emergency Squad died from a gunshot wound
Sunday afternoon in the squad's parking lot. John Epling, about 60, of
Spencer, was dead on arrival at Roane General Hospital from a "sucking
chest wound," reportedly inflicted by a rifle.
Local police and emergency services rushed to the squad building on
Arnoldsburg Road moments after the gunshot was fired. The EMS squad
building is located a short distance from Roane's 911 center. At least two
EMS personnel were nearby taking training when the incident occurred.
A spokesperson said the shooting occurred on or beside Epling's pick-up
truck, but they could not confirm if he was on duty at the time.
The gunshot may have been accidental, according to a spokesperson,
although other sources said the gunshot could have been self-inflicted.
Epling had been a "casual paid" driver for several years.
Authorities are investigating the death. |
