Sumner deputy OK following shooting

A Bethpage man faces an attempted first-degree murder charge for shooting a Sumner County Sheriff's deputy Wednesday evening, police said.

James Cummins, 50, remained in the Sumner County Jail on a $750,000 bond on Thursday after shooting Deputy Phillip Douglas, who responded to a domestic violence call at the suspect's Bethpage home, Sheriff Sonny Weatherford said. Douglas is recovering.

"Doctors don't think the bullet broke his ribs," Weatherford said. "The bullet just bruised his chest."

Douglas was wearing his bulletproof vest when he responded to a domestic violence incident in the 800 block of Old Highway 31E in Bethpage, 12 miles northeast of Gallatin, the sheriff said.

Law enforcement arrived at the home after receiving a call from Cummins' sister at 5:32 p.m, Weatherford said. Cummins was refusing to let his mother leave the home, the sheriff added. Cummins' sister went to retrieve their mother from the residence.

"As soon as Deputy Douglas arrived at the scene, he saw the mother running across the yard," Weatherford said. "He stopped and the suspect started firing at him from inside the residence with a rifle. Once he was hit, Deputy Douglas returned the fire and the suspect stopped shooting."

Cummins shot 10 rounds at Douglas, striking the deputy once in the chest. The suspect also hit Douglas' patrol car, but no other injuries were reported, Weatherford said.

Within 30 seconds, another deputy arrived and apprehended Cummins behind the home. Deputies found two rifles and two pistols inside the residence.

Douglas has been with the sheriff' office for about a year. Previously he worked for the Sumner County Emergency Medical Services, where he gained medical experience. Douglas has also worked as a firefighter in Gallatin.

"Deputy Douglas is very intelligent and has a very good work ethic," Weatherford said. "He does a great job."

Cummins is scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court on Dec. 2.

Reach Dessislava Yankova at dyankova@mtcngroup.com or at 615-575-7170. Follow her on Twitter @desspor. Jordan Buie contributed to this report.