CPD respond to fight inside Hamilton Place Mall
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Chattanooga Police responded to an incident in Hamilton Place Mall on Saturday afternoon after calls of a fight inside the mall.
Officers were informed that one of those involved had a gun.
They immediately ran toward the direction of the fight.
Several witnesses provided the suspect description and the direction he went after the fight.
Officers ran towards the location of the suspect and located him.
He began to flee from officers, but they were able to apprehend him.
CPD has identified the suspect as 23-year-old Mikel Johnson.
Officers located a handgun where Johnson fell while he was running from police.
The preliminary investigation found that a fight started inside the mall between three men, including Johnson.
He was the victim of the assault by two unknown males.
After he was assaulted, he pulled out a gun.
Witnesses provided Johnson’s description as the person who pulled out a gun during the fight.
Officers that were inside the mall advised they did not hear any shots fired.
The handgun was recovered by CPD and was found with a round chambered and full — indicating no shots were fired in the encounter.
One bystander received minor injuries when others started running away from the area of the fight.
HCEMS responded to the scene, but the bystander was not taken to a hospital.
Hamilton Place Mall is a gun-free zone with signs posted at all entrances that guns are prohibited.
Mikel Johnson was arrested and faces the following charges:
- Reckless Endangerment
- Disorderly Conduct
- Resisting Arrest or Obstruction of Legal Process
- Possessing a Firearm with the Intent to Go Armed
- Possession of a Weapon on Posted Property
Johnson was taken to the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center.
This information is preliminary and subject to change as the investigation continues.
