Suspect shot after attempting to run over law enforcement on Highway 58

UPDATE: The TBI has announced that the suspect in this case, 38-year-old Erick Charles Roberson, has died from his injuries in this incident Monday night.

The agency says they are currently investigating the incident and will turn over their findings to District Attorney Coty Wamp, who will determine if any charges are to be filed.

Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett mentioned he had outstanding warrants in Hamilton, Bradley, and Walker counties.

After reaching out, the Walker County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) confirmed these were his charges:

• Failure to Obey Stop Sign or Yield After Stopping- Misdemeanor
• Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer- Felony

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A suspect was shot by law enforcement after Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett said he attempted to run over law enforcement with his vehicle.

A video showed the sound of multiple gunshots outside of the McDonald’s and Circle K gas station on Highway 58 shortly before 10 p.m. Monday night.

Sheriff Garrett said that one of his deputies had his License Plate Reader hit on a vehicle wanted out of Hamilton, Bradley, and Walker Counties.

Officers securing a crime scene at the McDonald’s/Circle K on Highway 58 Monday night following an officer involved shooting.

The warrants in the latter two counties were for felonies according to the Sheriff.

Deputies, along with Chattanooga Police Officers, attempted to arrest the suspect behind the gas station and restaurant. 

However, the Sheriff says the suspect decided to use his vehicle as a weapon, leading to law enforcement from both the Chattanooga Police Department and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office to open fire on the suspect.

Sheriff Garrett said, “This is something that our deputies and Chattanooga officers and law enforcement across this county deal with on a daily basis. They work to capture fugitives and people who are terrorizing the people of this county, and our deputies and the officers do an incredibly good job at protecting this county. Tonight was one of those times, and unfortunately this suspect chose the wrong thing and chose to use a vehicle as a weapon against law enforcement. What other result do you expect to happen, then what happened tonight?”

The suspect was taken to a local hospital where his condition is unknown.

No law enforcement were injured in the incident.

Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp has requested the TBI to come in to do an investigation.