TBI Investigates Fatal Shooting in Kingsport
Four Sullivan County deputies shot and killed a suspect while serving felony warrants at an apartment complex.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Law Enforcement
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agents are probing an officer-involved shooting that left a man dead in Kingsport. Four deputies fired on Joshua Delp during an incident on Sunday morning.
Why it matters
The investigation, requested by the 2nd Judicial District Attorney General, aims to establish the series of events leading to the fatal encounter. Such independent reviews are standard procedure in officer-involved shootings to ensure transparency and accountability.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is collecting evidence and conducting interviews regarding the incident. Findings will be submitted to the District Attorney General for review.
The players
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
This state agency is responsible for investigating officer-involved shootings and major crimes across Tennessee.
Sullivan County Sheriff's Office
This department provides law enforcement services for Sullivan County and serves felony warrants.
Joshua Delp
He was the suspect who died at the scene after an encounter with law enforcement officers.
Barry Staubus
He serves as the 2nd Judicial District Attorney General and requested the state investigation into the shooting.
The details
Deputies arrived at an apartment complex on the 1000 block of Bloomingdale Pike at 8:00 a.m. to serve felony warrants on Joshua Delp. Investigators report that Delp was armed with a gun, resulting in an exchange where four deputies discharged their weapons; Delp died at the scene.
Timeline
October 25, 2026: The shooting occurred in the morning hours.
Legal Context
This investigation follows the standard protocol for independent reviews of officer-involved shootings in the state. By engaging the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, local authorities adhere to long-standing mandates for external oversight in fatal use-of-force cases.
Residents near the 1000 block of Bloomingdale Pike may encounter lingering police activity as the TBI continues to collect evidence. The investigation process ensures that the public is informed of the findings once the District Attorney General completes a final review.
The takeaway
Transparency remains a priority when law enforcement agencies utilize deadly force during the execution of warrants. Independent state investigations are designed to clarify the facts for both the community and the legal system.
Further reading
For additional context on how local agencies manage high-stakes investigations, visit Law Enforcement.
More information
For the latest developments on this case, monitor the TBI investigation updates.
