Halls Police Department

03/28/2026

Captured!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MULTI-AGENCY MANHUNT LEADS TO CAPTURE OF FUGITIVE GERALD “PETE” SAMPLES

CROCKETT COUNTY, TN – A strategically coordinated, multi-agency manhunt culminated early this morning with the successful capture of fugitive Gerald “Pete” Samples. Samples was taken into custody after an extensive search operation involving federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

The manhunt continued this morning in the area of Humboldt Gibson Wells Road, where Samples was last believed to be located. Upon receiving information of a possible sighting of Samples on Peter Smith Gravel Road, law enforcement personnel from the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC), United States Marshals Service, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Gibson County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO), Crockett County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), Haywood County Sheriff’s Office, Obion County Sheriff’s Office, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), FBI, and numerous other agencies intensified their search efforts to that area.

TDOC officers, along with their K-9 Kally, located Samples hiding in a wooded area. Samples was subsequently taken into custody with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service.

"The U.S. Marshals Service always stands ready to assist our partners in catching escapees," said U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller "Thanks to great teamwork and commitment by multiple law enforcement agencies, Samples is back in custody where he belongs."

Crockett County Sheriff Troy Klyce expressed his gratitude to all participating agencies for their efforts in bringing the manhunt to a successful conclusion.

Sheriff Klyce thanked all the sheriffs’ offices, the TBI, TDOC, U.S. Marshals, TWRA, FBI, and everyone else who came together to assist with this maximum pressure manhunt.

Samples awaits serious charges out of the Commonwealth of Virginia for illegal online sexual activity involving a minor victim. He will be held at another facility pending extradition to Virginia.

# # #

The Crockett County Sheriff’s Office thanks the community for their patience and cooperation during this operation. Special thanks to the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office.

03/25/2026

PSA:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INMATE ESCAPES CROCKETT COUNTY JAIL

ALAMO, TN - [March 25, 2026] - The Crockett County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the escape of an inmate from the Crockett County Jail and has launched a manhunt to apprehend him.

Gerald Pete Samples, a 59-year-old white male, escaped custody this morning. Samples is 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighs approximately 207 pounds, and was last seen wearing a brown shirt and brown pants. He was being held on a Circuit Court violation since August 9, 2025. Samples has a prior history of escape, having fled custody in 2020, and is considered a career criminal.

The manhunt is currently underway in Gibson County.

Investigators are conducting a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the escape including whether or not there are accomplices, however, catching Samples remains the Sheriff’s Office top priority.

Anyone who sees Samples or has information about his whereabouts is urged to call 911 immediately.

The Crockett County Sheriff’s Office thanks the public for their vigilance and assistance as we seek to bring this individual back into custody. Updates may be provided as they become available.

# # #

03/15/2026

NOTICE: Lauderdale County is under a tornado watch until 11:00pm, and with the potential of severe weather, we want to let all of the citizens know that the storm shelter will be open at 4:30 PM today.

Please remember NO PETS are allowed in the facility.

We are hoping everyone stays safe and everyone is welcome at the shelter.

Town of Halls

03/04/2026

We are ready for spring, thanks to the talent and creativity of Chandler Anne Reed!!

02/14/2026

Help the ones you once cared about celebrate Valentines Day! Call with their location and we will arrange transport!💙❤️💙❤️

01/30/2026

Condolences to the family and brothers and sisters in blue for the loss of a West TN officer.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1G8hYAAb9W/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Press Release
01/30/2026
At approximately 2:51 a.m. Friday, officers from the Martin Police Department responded to a disturbance call at 800 University St. (Days Inn) for possible shots fired.

Deputies from the Weakley County Sheriff's Office responded to assist MPD.

As deputies were responding the scene at approximately 3:09 a.m., they saw an occupied vehicle leaving 821 University St. (Pocket's gas station), at which time the driver fired shots, striking a WCSO deputy.

MPD Officers then responded to the shooting scene on University St. where the suspect was taken into custody.

The WCSO Deputy was transported to Volunteer Community Hospital and later pronounced deceased.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigations has been requested to investigate this incident.

There is no continued threat to the public regarding this incident.

Further information will be provided by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations.

Phillip W. Fuqua
Chief of Police
Martin Police Department

01/28/2026

Another pat on the back to one of our own, Chief Harry Hopkins. We received a call today that one of our citizens was in need of medical transport and because of the condition of many of the secondary streets in Town, they could not be reached by ambulance. The Town of Halls Public Works Department has been overwhelmed with calls for service since the cold weather arrived, so Chief Hopkins went to the shop and used his own experience operating heavy equipment to help clear the street and hopefully ensure the safety of another of our citizens with access to EMS.

Again, an example of people working together with people, to help each other.

01/25/2026

We appreciate the outpouring of support from our community as they assist the residents of the Town of Halls. The Town of Halls Public Works Department is diligently working to clear the main thoroughfares. Emergency Services have encountered challenges in responding to emergency calls, and these efforts aim to enhance accessibility. We acknowledge the contributions of individuals like Bubba Seiber and Payton Walton, who have provided heavy equipment to help clear city streets.

Additionally, Timmy Fitzhugh has installed chains for the Ambulance Service. The selflessness of these individuals exemplifies the benefits of small-town living, where community members come together for the greater good of their friends and neighbors.

We extend our gratitude to all those providing assistance and urge everyone to make safety a priority.

01/25/2026

🚨⛔️Road Conditions Advisory⛔️🚨

Due to extremely hazardous road conditions throughout our area and bitter cold, we strongly urge everyone to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Icy surfaces, poor visibility, and rapidly changing conditions make travel extremely dangerous at this time.

Your safety is the top priority. Please remain at home if possible. Remember to check on elderly neighbors and family members, and allow emergency crews and essential personnel, who are also facing travel challenges, to operate without unnecessary risk.

Officers will continue to monitor conditions and patrol for public safety.

Please stay safe and warm!

01/17/2026

It's never easy to lose a fellow officer, a mentor, a leader, a friend. The loss is great within the law enforcement community and we wish to extend our condolences to the family of Retired Chief of Police Terry Pierce. Thank you for your life of service that you accepted each day with dignity and honor.

End of watch: January 16, 2026

The Tiptonville Police Department is saddened to announce the passing of Retired Ridgely Chief of Police Terry Pierce, who passed away on January 16, 2026.

Chief Pierce was more than a respected law enforcement leader — he was a good man, a mentor, and a friend to many. His life of service spanned several decades and reached far beyond the badge. In addition to serving honorably as a police officer and police chief, he also dedicated himself to his community as a school teacher, county commissioner, and fireman. Few people leave such a wide and lasting impact, and Chief Pierce did so with humility, integrity, and genuine care for others.

He was highly respected by those who worked alongside him and deeply appreciated by the communities he served. His legacy of leadership, service, and commitment will not be forgotten.

We ask everyone to please keep Chief Pierce’s family and his law enforcement family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Rest easy, Chief. Thank you for a lifetime of service. Your watch is complete, but your legacy will live on. 💙🕊️

01/01/2026

Wishing all of you a safe and prosperous 2026! Happy New Year!!

10/11/2025

The community blessing box has been moved from its original location at the town gazebo on E Main St to a new location at the Halls Police Dept, under the awning beside the P.D.. Please help donate and restock it to assist those who may need it.