New details about FBI raid at Chattanooga apartment complex

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF) – WDEF has uncovered new information about the FBI raid in connection to a terror investigation in Chattanooga.

"We have a tremendous amount of leads and we will continue to pursue all those leads," said FBI agent Ed Reinhold.

One of those leads led federal agents to the Mountain Creek Apartment complex in Chattanooga.

According to FBI sources, a man who lived at in one of the apartments was an associate of killer Mohammad Abdulazeez.

Suzanne Taylor is a neighbor who just moved into an apartment several doors down. She said she was unpacking her car when agents moved in on Abdulazeez’s associate.

"The guy pulled up an a silver colored car and then immediately after he pulled in, FBI agents came and got him. They brought him to his apartment. Then they were talking to his dad outside before all the FBI agents went into the apartment and stayed there for a while," Taylor said.

According to neighbors, the man is 25-years old. Neighbors also told WDEF that he and his family are Syrian refugees. According to the FBI, no arrest was made.

Agent Reinhold said since last Thursday’s attack at a Chattanooga military training  center that left five servicemen dead, agents have been combing the city searching for more information about the killer who was identified as Mohammad Abdulazeez.

"We’re all other this city talking to different friends and associates of our shooter. In order to make this case is completely done, we go around and we talk to everybody who we possibly can; anyone who knows or has been associated with the shooter," Reinhold said.

Moments before agents closed in on Abdulazeez’s associate, drama unfolded when agents drew weapons on a 14-year old boy.

During a make-shift press conference Monday night, Agent Reinhold told reporters his agents had been confronted by teenager toting a fake rifle and a fake handgun. He said agents ordered the kid to the ground where they learned the guns were airsoft toys.

"Our agents demonstrated exceptional restraint in dealing with the young man. And I would encourage folks not to come outside, and especially point weapons at law enforcement officers. That’s not a good mixture for a happy outcome," Reinhold said.

But the boys parents told WDEF it didn’t go down that way.

Grady Tubbs told WDEF his 14-year old and 9-year old sons were playing in the back yard when agents came from the back of the building and saw his 14-year old first.

"When they saw him with his airsoft gun, they said stop and drop your weapon," Tubbs said.

Tubbs said that because his son had his back to the agents, he thought two friends were playing a trick on him.

"He ducked back behind and as he did, they came back out again and showed themselves. He realized what was going on, dropped his gun; hit his knees and put his hands behind his head," Tubbs said.

Tubbs went on to explain that the agents never identified themselves as the FBI. Instead he said they kept yelling for his son to drop his weapon.

Since the story first broke Monday night, Tubbs and his wife have been scrutinized on social media and called bad parents.

"My wife and I and my family are not perpetuators of fear and hate. We want our children to live normal lives like every other kid in this country. Why should we have to look at our kids and say yes we’re sorry but the things that you are use to doing and the lives you lead can’t be lead right now because of everything else that is going on," Tubbs said.

He was referring to fear and mass hysteria that has resulted from the terror attack that led federal agents to his neighbors apartment.

"It was an unfortunate circumstance where our son was in the right place at the wrong time. Everyone kept saying wrong place, wrong time; no he was in his back yard," Tubbs said.

Tubbs went on to say he also understands why FBI and everyone involved in the terror investigation is on edge.

"This city is going to stay on edge for a while. Until things calm down, we’re all going to be on edge. I don’t fault the FBI for protecting their interest and themselves.; that’s what they’re supposed to do. I just want people to understand this was a very unfortunate situation that happened," Tubbs said.

In the meantime, investigators continue to figure out what truly inspired Abdulazeez to go on a shooting rampage.

WDEF will continue to follow this federal investigation deliver new details when they become available.