Tennessee Highway Patrol Sgt. William "Butch" Avera, will not face charges for a deadly shooting that happened in June of this year.

Sgt. Avera shot and killed Jeremy Ryan Marshall, 24, after a high-speed chase led authorities from Western Macon County to the Scottsville Road placing several lives in danger including that of his girlfriend who was a passenger.

During the pursuit he made contact with a civilian vehicle, injuring a pregnant woman, and also made contact with Sgt. Avera's patrol car. At that time, Sgt. Avera reportedly stated that he feared for his life.

At Wright's Trailer Park, Marshall exited his vehicle and ran through a field and reportedly dropped to his knees then coming to a standing position. His action, of reportedly raising his arm and turning as if he was armed, caused Sgt. Avera to fear for his life and that of others around him.

Avera said he thought Marshall had a gun when he raised his arm and pointed.

A grand jury ruled the shooting was justified in a special called session held Tuesday, September 7.

The grand jury reviewed all the evidence including video tapes and audio tapes from all patrol cars involved and entered their findings three hours after they began.

Beth Denton, THP media spokesperson, stated, "Sgt. Avera is completing his current assignment and will return to his patrol duties shortly." Sgt. Avera is a 21 year veteran of the THP.

The family of Marshall stated that they did not know the jury was in session and no one had contacted them. The aunt of Marshall, Irene Marshall, said the TBI promised to contact them and they have yet to hear from anyone.

According to TBI media spokesperson, Jennifer Johnson, "The TBI does not have the authority to discuss the case outside the district attorney."

It is also the policy of the THP to not allow officers to make a formal statement, for that reason Sgt. Avera was not contacted.