A CARTER COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTY WHO WAS SHOT IN THE LINE OF DUTY OVER THE LABOR DAY WEEKEND IS SHOWING SIGNS OF IMPROVEMENT. OFFICER STEPHANIE SIMPSON WAS SHOT IN THE FACE AT CLOSE RANGE WITH A .308 HIGH POWERED RIFLE WHILE RESPONDING TO AN ALTERCATION AT A HOME ON RIGGS ROAD NEAR WATAUGA SATURDAY AFTERNOON. DURING THE INCIDENT, SIMPSON’S K-9 MAXX WAS ALSO INJURED. SHERIFF CHRIS MATHES SAID LT. HARVEY GUESS SHOT AND KILLED PHILLIP HYDER AFTER HYDER ALLEGEDLY OPENED FIRE ON THE OFFICERS. POLICE WERE DISPATCHED TO THE AREA AFTER RECEIVING A CALL ABOUT A LAND DISPUTE. SIMPSON REMAINS IN CRITICAL CONDITION AT A LOCAL HOSPITAL. THE TENNESSEE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION IS CONTINUING TO PROBE THE INCIDENT.