Domestic dispute. (Exercising the Right).

Jeffrey Fugate was under orders to stay away from his estranged wife Amanda, pending a domestic assault charge against him.

On November 29th of last year, Mrs. Fugate, who told sheriff's deputies that she feared for her safety because her husband had threatened her life, was staying with friends Paul and Dianna Summers in Maryville, Tennessee. Shortly after midnight, according to a deputy's report, Mr. Fugate allegedly drove to the Summers' residence with a cousin. The latter went to the door and asked Mr. Summers if he could talk to Mrs. Fugate. Summers told him that he was not welcome and should leave.

Mr. Fugate and the cousin drove away, but a few minutes later Fugate returned. According to the deputy's report, he parked in the Summers' driveway and went to the door. Mr. Summers repeatedly shouted that he would shoot if Fugate entered the home. Undeterred, Fugate forced the door open and burst in, whereupon Summers fired a single blast from a 20gauge shotgun at the intruder's legs. Wounded, Fugate fell back, then hobbled to his car and drove away.

As recounted by the December 1st Maryville Daily Times, a Blount County sheriff's deputy soon spotted Fugate's car and attempted to pull him over. But Fugate sped up, forcing the deputy to pursue him. Eventually, though, the wounded fugitive gave up the chase and surrendered. Fugate was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where he was listed in satisfactory condition. He faced charges of aggravated burglary and violating an order of protection.