A routine-looking call about a suspicious person in Selmer, Tennessee, ended with the death of a longtime local officer. Sergeant Rick Finley, 39, of the McNairy County Sheriff’s Office and a part-time Selmer Police Department officer, was shot on December 14, 2024, around 3:00 p.m. after officers responded to reports that a man had tried to force his way into a residence and fired multiple shots into the door.

Officers found the suspect, identified as 39-year-old Daniel Jeremiah Holmes, in a nearby driveway. An altercation occurred during which Holmes reportedly attacked and then shot Sergeant Finley multiple times. Finley, a U.S. Army National Guard veteran and 13-year member of the sheriff’s office, was taken to a hospital and later died. Moments later Lieutenant Ron Pilkington arrived, engaged Holmes and fatally shot him. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was asked to investigate the officer-involved shooting. Holmes is reported to have had a lengthy criminal history including domestic assault, drug possession and harassment.

Anyone who knew Sergeant Finley or witnessed the events on New Bethel Road that afternoon is asked to come forward with information.