CCSO Respond To Shots Being Fired

Cocke County deputies were called to a residence on New Cave Church Road on Monday after a call about shots being fired inside the home. 60 year old Mark Valentine told deputies that during an argument with his girlfriend, she pulled a gun on him. He stated that 47 year old Tonya Paxton pointed the gun at herself at one point, before turning it back towards him with the laser. Valentine stated that after 30 minutes, he was able to grab for the gun and the two wrestled for the .380 caliber weapon.

Valentine stated that Paxton then ran to a bedroom for another firearm while he ran outside to call for help. Paxton told police that she did not fire the weapon at Valentine. She faces numerous charges including Aggravated Assault; Reckless Endangerment with a Deadly Weapon; False Imprisonment; and Interference With An Emergency Call as she attempted to stop Valentine from calling 911.