For the second time in as many weeks, Macon County law enforcement entities worked together to defuse a dangerous situation and subdue a distraught individual without resorting to deadly force.

Sheriff Mark Gammons, along with deputies Jeff Brewer, Ron Smith, Kyle Petty, and Mark Bartley responded to a report of a Wixtown Road resident threatening suicide, Saturday May 12. The caller indicated a shot had already been fired, according to Sheriff's Department reports.

Michael Wilson of Wixtown Road, in west Macon County, reportedly held officers at bay, refusing to come out of his home, telling Sheriff Gammons the only way he was coming out that night would be in a body bag.

“At one point, Wilson told officers he would just point the gun at them so they would kill him,” Deputy Kyle Petty stated.

The deputy's description of Saturday's stand-off was eerily reminiscent of an incident in the vicinity of Toney Road, just a couple of weeks ago, during which the Macon County Sheriff's Department and Lafayette Police Department joined forces to prevent a man wielding a gun from harming himself or others.

Rocky Wix, an acquaintance of the Wixtown Road resident, was on the scene and also tried to persuade the distraught man to exit the residence; but Wilson came out with a rifle and stated it was either going to be them or him, but someone was not leaving alive, according to Deputy Petty.

Sheriff Gammons alerted the Lafayette Police Department SWAT Team to be on stand-by to intervene if needed, according to reports.

Constable Tom Dallas, Wildlife Resources Officer Jim Dooley, and Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Butch Avera also responded to the scene, when they heard about the life threatening situation, further demonstrating the unity that exists among state, city and county law enforcement.

“We took tactical positions behind the trailer and other structures. In a case like this, we're looking out for each other as well as the subject. It's just a matter of whoever can get there to provide support,” Constable Dallas explained.

Sheriff Gammons and Wix continued talking with Wilson until he unloaded the rifle and agreed to go to the hospital for evaluation and SWAT Team intervention was not required this time, according to Sheriff's Department reports.

“I saw a great deal of organization. The Sheriff had a good perimeter established,” Constable Tom Dallas explained.

“We're not dealing with a terrorist or a criminal in a case like this, but a distraught individual, and luckily the gentleman surrendered,” he continued.

“The whole situation was handled with proper force and presence,” Constable Dallas observed.