A TRAGIC IMPACT OF METHAMPHETAMINE

The recent death of a Scott County police officer during a raid on a mobile
home where the manufacture of methamphetamine was suspected is a tragically
powerful reminder of the dangers posed by the scourge of this illegal drug:
Its impact can claim the innocent.

It is all the more tragic that the fatal shot that struck Sgt. Hubert "John
John" Yancey was fired by a colleague - Deputy Marty Carson, who was
unaware that Yancey had entered the dimly lighted mobile home. It was
fitting that, at the funeral of Yancey, the officer's wife requested that
Carson serve as a pallbearer.

Friendly fire might mitigate the circumstances, but it doesn't ease the
pain. District Attorney General Paul Phillips noted the loss of a dedicated
public servant who was "vigorously working to rid this county of the
methamphetamine that is doing so much damage to our community. It is the
worst drug (for) its impact on us that we have ever seen."

Two men and two women have been charged with three counts each of
manufacturing methamphetamine, with a hearing set for Thursday, Dec. 11. No
weapons were found in the mobile home.

Phillips said the circumstances of the case do not meet the legal standards
of felony murder or any other death-related offense. Phillips said his
staff took a close look at that aspect of the case, since the meth lab
operation was the cause of the officers' raid. He said federal authorities
also were asked to look at the case.

No charges were placed against Carson, with Phillips saying, "This is
nothing more than a tragic accident. There was no wrongdoing on the part of
the officer."

Methamphetamine has exploded on the scene in rural East and Middle
Tennessee during the past decade. It is manufactured for the most part in
fly-by-night situations, with the contents carried in small suitcases,
duffel bags or backpacks.

The mountains and hills of the area might offer a shield against law
enforcement, but that is beginning to prove deceptive.

With state and local law enforcement agencies bearing down and with federal
grants offering the prospect of wider searches and more vigorous
prosecution of suspects, the days of meth labs might be numbered. However,
as a region, we are far from declaring victory.

Other police officers and deputies in East Tennessee will continue to risk
their lives to protect society - especially children of the manufacturers -
from the myriad dangers of methamphetamine.

We will continue to owe them our thanks and appreciation, and we owe the
families of Yancey and Carson our heartfelt sympathies.