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BRISTOL, Tenn.- Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Steve Hinkle has died from injuries sustained in a Saturday shooting.

Hinkle, a 65-year-old veteran officer, died at the Bristol Regional Medical Center this afternoon.

"This afternoon, Sullivan County lost a hero. Sgt. Steve Hinkle passed away from an injury that he received in the line of duty," spokesman Andy Seabolt said in an email. "Sgt. Hinkle proudly served Sullivan County with honor and distinction for over twenty-seven years as a full-time employee. He also served as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff for five years prior to his full-time employment."

The officer had responded to a check welfare call on Saturday morning at a home on U.S. Highway 11W. He was wounded during an exchange of gunfire. Authorities later found the body of the resident, Jackie Scott Pendergrass, 44, inside the home.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation continues to probe the shooting.

Hinkle is the first SCSO Officer to die from injuries sustained in the line of duty since 2001. He’s the 21st line of duty death in the country in 2019.

Hinkle‘s body will be taken to the medical examiner’s office today in Johnson City.

Arrangements will be forthcoming over the next few days.

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