Tennessee couple died after shootout with Texas law enforcement while allegedly transporting drugs

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – A Putnam County couple has died after a shootout with Texas law enforcement while they were allegedly transporting illegal drugs, according to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office said its drug unit was investigating Elizabeth and Edward Stevenson for undercover purchases of illegal drugs. This investigation resulted in a search warrant being executed on May 9th.

During the search, PCSO said nearly a pound of methamphetamine, fentanyl, multiple firearms, body armor and ammunition were found in the home. At the time of the search, investigators received information that the duo was driving a semi-truck back through Texas with illegal drugs and were armed.

PCSO said the Stevensons stated they would die by “suicide by cop” if law enforcement attempted to stop them. Investigators notified Texas officials of the situation and began cooperating with them.

Donley County sheriff’s deputies attempted to stop the Stevensons, but they were able to elude deputies for several miles before coming to a stop. After stopping, the two exited the vehicle and began shooting at first responders, resulting in their deaths, PCSO said.

During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement found 64 pounds of cocaine, which has a street value of approximately $3.4 million.

“This was a great job by the PCSO Drug Unit to stop a huge illegal drug operation here in Putnam County. This is a direct result of the country’s open border policy, which makes it much easier for Mexican cartel members and their associates to introduce these illegal drugs into smaller communities and, in this case, Putnam County. The cocaine was likely mixed with the deadly drug fentanyl before being sold to private individuals. The immediate cooperation of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Donley County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety was invaluable during this incident and I am very grateful. I would also like to thank the citizens of Putnam County for their help and calling with these anonymous tips. If you see anything that you think is suspicious, please call us and we will investigate. In this particular incident, it most likely saved lives,” said Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris.

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