Baby among 6 people shot in Chattanooga; One suspect identified
The most violent of the shootings happened around 1 AM Wednesday inside an apartment at College Hill Courts. The gunman reportedly opened fire on everyone inside.
"Upon arrival, officers found four gunshot victims including a one-year old infant. Responding officers acted quickly and decisively in transporting that victim to Erlanger for Emergency Medical Treatment," said Chattanooga Police Chief Fred Fletcher.
Fearing the infant didn’t have much time to wait on an ambulance, officer placed the child into a squad car and rushed her to the Emergency Room where she underwent surgery. The child was last listed in critical condition.
Talitha Bowman,20, of Chattanooga died at the scene. Her death became Chattanooga’s third homicide within the first week of 2015.
Bianca Horton, 24, of Chattanooga suffered a non-life threatening gunshot wound.
Marcell Christopher, 18, of Chattanooga was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
"People need to wake up and realize that life is not promised to anyone. Go out there and do what you need to do. Go to work. Go to school; just make something out of your life. Because this is not right," Dave said when asked about his reaction to the violence.
Police have named Cortez "AWAX" Sims, 17 of Chattanooga as the shooter. According to detectives, Sims is a known gang member with a criminal record as a teenager.
"This is indeed a heinous act of violence against a child, a family and our community. We are personally and organizationally outraged by the violent acts of this brutal criminal," said Chief Fletcher.
Although Sims is a minor, Chattanooga police received permission from the Juvenile Court System to release his name and picture.
Warrants for several felony offenses including first degree murder have been obtained against Sims.
Chattanooga police have requested help from the FBI to help track Sims down.
Two hours after responding to College Hill Courts shooting, officers were called to a home in the 5200 block of Hickory Woods.
Police say Joshua Taylor was shot by his own brother when he reportedly forced his way into the house and threatened several relatives.
"It appears this is going to be a justified use of force in defense of life," Chief Fletcher said.
Hours before those two shootings, Brian Posley, Jr., 19, of Chattanooga was shot in the 2200 block of East 26th street. Posley is considered a victim but he might also be a suspect.
"We do have information that Mr.Posley may have been involved in one or more previous incidents of ongoing violence.We are actively pursuing leads in that case involving Mr. Posley," Chief Fletcher said.
WDEF will continue to post new updates on the shootings as new information becomes available.
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