Chattanooga police investigate fatal shooting on North Hickory Street

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Chattanooga police are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred Sunday evening outside an apartment complex on Hickory Street.

Officers responded around 3:45 p.m. on May 14, 2025, to 1210 N Hickory Street after receiving reports of gunfire.

Upon arrival, they found Jamel Sutton suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso.

He was taken to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The investigation led detectives to Demontra Collins, who contacted by the Hamilton County Dispatch around 4:00 p.m..

Collins admitted to being involved in the incident and directed police to a weapon at his residence on Leanun Circle.

Officers recovered the firearm and transported Collins for questioning.

Collins told investigators that he and Sutton had argued days earlier.

On the day of the shooting, Collins said he saw Sutton standing next to a vehicle at the apartment complex and believed Sutton was reaching for a weapon from the car.

A witness told police that Sutton was interacting with a child’s car seat in the back of the vehicle when Collins arrived.

Collins claimed Sutton reached for a weapon, prompting him to retrieve the firearm and approach Sutton on foot.

He said he didn’t see a firearm on Sutton until he was close, but it remains unclear who fired first.

According to the affidavit, police believe Sutton fired twice with a 9mm pistol before being fatally shot.

Collins allegedly fired several rounds from his weapon, with at least six 7.62 rounds recovered at the scene.

When detectives asked Collins why he chose to confront Sutton with a gun instead of avoiding the situation, he declined to answer any further questions.

He is being charged with one count of criminal homicide.

The investigation remains ongoing.