Ooltewah Standoff Ends in Flames

OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WDEF) – We’re learning new details following a tense standoff in Chattanooga yesterday that ended in tragedy. 

Authorities confirm the man who opened fire on officers is now deceased after a house fire consumed the residence where he had barricaded himself. 

The incident began around 3:30 p.m. on the 8400 block of Rising Fawn Place when the suspect fired a rifle at law enforcement, prompting a swift response from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and SWAT teams. 

Officers engaged in a standoff that lasted several hours, using tear gas and other methods to try and force the suspect to surrender. However, those efforts were unsuccessful. 

During the press conference, Sheriff Austin Garrett stated the suspect had “plenty of opportunities to come out. Our hostage negotiators made a little bit of initial contact with him during this operation, and he still did not come out during their contact.” 

At some point during the exchange, the suspect was believed to have been struck by gunfire, as blood was seen on the porch, the same area where he had been shooting at officers. 

The standoff came to a devastating end when the house erupted in flames. By the time crews were able to get inside, the suspect had already succumbed. 

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation continues to process the crime scene and is working to officially identify the suspect. 

Two dogs were rescued from the home, and authorities believe no one else was inside at the time of the fire.

As investigators piece together exactly what happened, we will continue to bring you updates.