May 16, 2025

Memphis Man Sentenced for Gunfire Incident at Chattanooga Motel

News Summary

Mario Delaine, a 39-year-old from Memphis, has been sentenced to 188 months in federal prison after firing a handgun from a Motel 6 in Chattanooga. The incident, which occurred in November 2022, involved multiple shots fired from his room, prompting a police response. Delaine, with a history of violent felonies, faced enhanced penalties resulting in a mandatory minimum sentence. Concurrently, the community grapples with ongoing gun violence concerns as law enforcement addresses related incidents in the area.

Chattanooga – Mario Delaine, a 39-year-old man from Memphis, has been sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for firing a handgun from the window of his room at the Motel 6 in Chattanooga. The incident occurred in November 2022, garnering significant attention from local law enforcement.

According to reports, police responded to multiple calls regarding gunfire emanating from a third-floor room at the Motel 6 located on Williams Street. Upon their arrival, officers witnessed Delaine firing shots from the window and promptly took cover for their safety. As they attempted to engage with him, he discharged an additional round through the door into the hallway. Following these actions, Delaine exited the room without further resistance and surrendered to the authorities.

In the course of their investigation, law enforcement officers discovered a Glock 9-millimeter pistol, several spent cartridge cases, and multiple bullet holes throughout the hotel. Due to his criminal history, which includes three prior violent felony convictions, Delaine faced enhanced penalties under the Armed Career Criminal Act, leading to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years. Judge Charles E. Atchley presided over the case in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, ultimately handing down the 188-month prison sentence. Following his release, Delaine will be subject to five years of supervised release.

Ongoing Law Enforcement Challenges

This incident is one of several recent occurrences of gun violence in Chattanooga. Around the same time as Delaine’s sentencing, police responded to a separate incident on North Hickory Street where they found a man with a gunshot wound. Despite efforts to save him, the victim succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to a hospital. The suspected shooter, 18-year-old Demontra Collins, reported the incident to 911, stating that there had been a prior disagreement with the victim. Witnesses indicated that the victim was assisting with a child’s car seat when the shooting occurred. Police confiscated a “draco” style firearm used in the incident, and Collins has been charged with criminal homicide.

Additional Gun Violence Cases

In another violent incident, 18-year-old Cordai Miree was indicted for a shooting that took place in March on Central Avenue. The altercation resulted in injuries to a 21-year-old male victim. Miree is scheduled for arraignment on May 2, following a Hamilton County Grand Jury indictment.

Public Safety Concerns

The rise in gun-related violence has raised concerns among the Chattanooga community about public safety and the need for effective law enforcement intervention. The simultaneous events highlight a troubling trend of gunfire incidents in the area, with law enforcement agencies grappling with the increasing frequency of such occurrences.

In addition to the violence, other issues are affecting the area, such as the expected crest of the South Chickamauga Creek at 7.5 feet above flood stage and ongoing traffic disruptions, like the shutdown of I-24 westbound due to a tractor-trailer accident. The combination of these factors emphasizes the challenges faced by local authorities as they work to ensure the safety and security of Chattanooga residents.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

East Ridge Student Arrested Again in Domestic Violence Case
Chattanooga Teen Arrested for Attempted Murder and Carjacking
Chattanooga Experiences Spike in Violence with Carjackings
Chattanooga Faces Potential Library Funding Cuts
Chattanooga Woman Shot While Walking on Tacoa Circle
Multiple Arrests in Hamilton County for Theft and DUI
Tragic Turn of Events in Chattanooga: Man Sentenced for Coworker’s Murder
Chattanooga School Community Reflects on Tragic Death of Local Businessman
Teen Charged with Double Murder in Wisconsin
Chattanooga Public Library Introduces New Services

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER

The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!

STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER

Stay Connected

More Updates

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Submit