News Summary
Chadrick Weaver, a 48-year-old man from Chattanooga, is requesting a delayed trial date as he prepares an insanity defense related to a public bus hijacking. The incident, which occurred in February 2023, involved Weaver threatening passengers with a shotgun and demanding specific routes. Weaver is facing serious federal charges, including carjacking and aggravated robbery, and his attorney is currently evaluating his mental state. This case has raised concerns about public safety and the judicial system’s ability to address mental health issues in criminal cases.
Chattanooga Man Requests Delayed Trial Date in Bus Hijacking Case
Chattanooga, TN – A 48-year-old man, Chadrick Weaver, has requested a later federal trial date as he prepares an insanity defense for charges stemming from a public bus hijacking that occurred on February 26, 2023. Weaver is facing serious allegations, including carjacking, brandishing a firearm during a violent crime, and unlawful transport of a firearm.
Originally, Weaver’s trial was scheduled for July 29, 2023, with a potential plea deal expected a few days prior. However, his attorney is currently working with a mental health expert to evaluate his mental state during the hijacking incident, prompting the request for additional time to prepare the defense.
Details of the Incident
On the night of the hijacking, Weaver boarded the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) bus on Brainerd Road shortly after midnight. According to the indictment, Weaver used a 20-gauge shotgun to threaten individuals on the bus and demanded the driver to take a specific route down Market Street. During the incident, he allegedly seized a backpack from a passenger at gunpoint and threatened to kill both the bus driver and another passenger. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the hijacking.
Weaver exited the bus before police arrived, leaving the shotgun on a seat. Authorities apprehended him shortly thereafter. The criminal charges outlined in the indictment suggest that he had the intent to cause harm or death when he forcibly took control of the bus using violence and intimidation.
Additional Legal Challenges
Aside from the federal charges, Weaver is also facing significant state court charges, which include two counts of especially aggravated kidnapping and aggravated robbery. His prior criminal history includes convictions for serious offenses such as aggravated arson, aggravated burglary, and attempted first-degree murder. In 2008, he received an eight-year sentence for aggravated arson and has incurred other felony convictions since then.
Current Status of the Case
As the case progresses, Weaver’s federally appointed public defender and the prosecuting attorney have not commented on the ongoing legal proceedings. The case’s complexity, given the request for an insanity defense and the serious nature of the charges, highlights the legal challenges ahead for Weaver.
Context and Implications
This incident has raised significant concerns regarding public safety and the legal system’s ability to evaluate mental health issues in criminal cases. The outcome of Weaver’s trial and any subsequent revelations about his mental state will not only impact him personally but may also influence discussions about mental health in the context of violent crimes. As the trial date approaches, more information regarding his mental health evaluation and the prosecution’s strategy may become available.
Community members in Chattanooga are closely observing the developments in this case, as it underscores the ongoing challenges related to violent crime in the area and how the judicial system addresses defendants with mental health issues.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Local 3 News: Chattanooga Man Requests Delayed Trial Date in Bus Hijacking Case
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Man Accused of Hijacking CARTA Bus
- Times Free Press: East Ridge Budgetel Forecloses Nearly 3 Years
- Wikipedia: Mental Health
- Local 3 News: He Kidnapped 27 People from a School Bus
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Criminal Justice
- Times Free Press: Doug Cameron Obituary
- Google Search: Chattanooga Bus Hijacking
- Local 3 News: Second Bus Carrying Undocumented Immigrants Found
- Google Scholar: Insanity Defense
- Times Free Press: Hamilton County Man, Woman Sentenced for Separate Crimes
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.
