Man facing attempted murder in shooting near East Brainerd ballfields

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A man has been charged with attempted first-degree murder after a shooting near some East Brainerd ball fields.

That scene has rattled a youth league organization.

Chattanooga Police say that 24-year-old Davonte Harris is the suspect in this incident. 

Davonte Harris, the man charged with attempted first-degree murder in a shooting near East Brainerd ballfields. (From: Hamilton County Jail)

Police say that shortly after 9:30 p.m. Friday evening, they responded to a shots fired call on Batters Place Road.

That road leads to multiple ball fields operated by the East Brainerd Youth Athletic Association.

At first when CPD arrived, it was reported as an active shooter incident, but was quickly determined it was a domestic incident.

Police say that a preliminary investigation by their Homicide Unit has begun.

They say that investigation has revealed that there was an interaction between Harris’ girlfriend and a 30-year-old man.

As that man walked through the parking lot after that interaction, police say Harris exited his vehicle and shot at the victim.

That man was found with life-threatening injuries.

Police were able to find Harris in some nearby woods and arrest him.

The East Brainerd Youth Athletic Association says that the incident has resulted in them canceling a pre-season baseball tournament.

In a lengthy statement on their website, they say, “The incident that occurred last night was intense and terrifying for us all. This is something we would have never imagined occurring at our ballpark… The abhorrent actions of a few will not be tolerated…This event will not define us as a park or our season…We are committed to investing resources to provide on-site law enforcement presence and additional security measures for all remaining games.”

Harris according to Hamilton County General Session Court records has faced over a dozen charges in various incidents since November 2019.

Among these charges include possession of a handgun while under the influence and possession of a firearm with intent to go armed.

He was sentenced to 11 months and 29 days and had to forfeit his weapon, but the sentence was suspended on good behavior per court records.

Harris is facing attempted first degree murder, Reckless Endangerment, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. 

He is in custody at the Hamilton County Jail on a $250,000 bond.