Man arrested in Chattanooga for terroristic threats, other charges
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Chattanooga Police arrested a man Tuesday for aggressive and strange behavior in Downtown Chattanooga.
The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) arrested 33-year-old Kendal Lewis Tuesday afternoon.
Concerned citizens originally called to report a man placing a suspicious package on Carter Street. They reported the man had been acting bizarre at multiple businesses.
Lewis was at the Days Inn on Carter Street and was demanding the staff give him money. He left after not getting what he wanted, police said.
People then saw him leave a bag on Carter Street. Officers said they searched the bag and found it only had personal items, such as tools, clothes and newspapers.
Employees of the City Cafe on Carter Street claimed he was acting strange there as well. They asked him to leave and he responded, “Call the police. I’ll shoot them too.” By the time officers arrived, Lewis had left the City Cafe.
After Lewis was spotted near Poplar Street, law enforcement placed nearby schools and businesses on a soft lock down. They wanted to determine whether there was a public safety threat.
The CPD said they finally found Lewis at 973 Market Street. They took him into custody, but never found a gun, the police department said.
Chattanooga Police said it was clear he was having a mental episode. They took Lewis to the Silverdale Detention Center.
The CPD is charging Lewis with terroristic threats, two counts of assault, disorderly conduct and possession of a controlled substance.
Kendal Lewis, (Courtesy: Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office)
