Emergency response on Lee Highway ends in death

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – On Sunday, a significant police and emergency response was seen in the 7700 block of Lee Highway in Chattanooga, drawing concern and speculation from the public.

When our team arrived on scene, the Motel 6 parking lot had quickly become crowded with curious onlookers.

Among them was Johnny Brown, a community member, who expressed the uncertainty many felt.

“I had stopped to get gas and people are saying it’s a hostage situation, but that’s all I know,” Brown said.

Despite the swirling rumors, the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) did not confirm reports of a hostage situation.

Instead, officials later explained that they were responding to a call about an individual threatening self-harm.

Officers worked carefully to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in the area.

Antoine Sanders, another community member, witnessed the heavy police presence firsthand.

“We were in Waffle House and we looked around. SWAT was coming everywhere—police cars, fire trucks—and then we found out it was a standoff,” Sanders explained.

He also shared a video he captured during the event, showing the tense atmosphere surrounding the scene.

As the situation unfolded, confusion only grew.

Some believed the individual had escaped.

Sanders remarked that if the man had indeed gotten away, it would be impressive given the overwhelming law enforcement presence.

“He outsmarted all that technology,” Sanders said, reflecting the disbelief many expressed.

However, CPD later clarified that the individual was found deceased.

Authorities emphasized that no other people were injured and the situation was quickly secured.

In a follow-up statement, the Chattanooga Fire Department provided additional details.

Witnesses reported seeing smoke coming from a window at the motel.

However, by the time firefighters arrived, there was no active smoke.

Fire officials explained that the fire had extinguished itself due to a lack of oxygen—a phenomenon that can happen when flames deplete the available air in a sealed environment.

The man had barricaded himself inside his hotel room.

For safety reasons, fire crews staged nearby while Chattanooga Police made entry.

Inside, they found the man deceased, with evidence suggesting he had died from smoke inhalation.

The Fire Department stated that the fire appeared to have been intentionally set by the individual himself.

At this time, the fire remains under investigation, and the exact cause of death will be determined by the Medical Examiner’s Office.