FLORENCE-On January 31, 2024, at approximately 7:00 p.m., emergency services were summoned to the 3100 block of
Hough Road, where a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle.
According to witnesses, a 2016 GMC Sierra driven by Larry Franklin Palmer, 73, of Iron City, was seen slowly circling the parking lot for some time. The vehicle aggressively accelerated and swerved at the victim, 68, of Rogersville. After striking the victim and knocking him to the ground, Palmer exited the truck, brandishing a revolver. The victim retreated into the store for safety.
Palmer then fled the scene. Officers began a search of the area for the suspect.
At 7:30 p.m., officers were called to a local hospital where staff had located a firearm in the clothing of a patient
who had just checked in. When officers arrived, the gun was secured, and it was discovered the patient was the
driver of the pedestrian strike call.
The victim was treated and released with non-life-threatening injuries.
During the investigation, it was learned that Palmer and the victim were involved in an ongoing legal battle in
Tennessee.
When Palmer was released from the hospital, he was arrested for attempted murder and tampering with a
witness. He is confined in the Lauderdale County Detention Center with a $60,300 bond.
Larry Franklin Palmer is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Media Release/Sergeant Ryan Kelly/Florence Police Department
