September 12, 2025

Chattanooga Settles Lawsuit Over Police Shooting

Chattanooga, September 12, 2025

News Summary

Chattanooga has settled a federal lawsuit for $180,000 with the family of Roger Heard Jr., who was shot by police in August 2023. The settlement is intended for Heard’s five children and raises concerns about police conduct, particularly regarding excessive force used during the encounter. While one officer has resigned and faced de-certification, none have been charged criminally. The incident has prompted community outcry for transparency and police accountability.

Chattanooga Settles Lawsuit for $180,000 After Police Shooting of Roger Heard Jr.

The City of Chattanooga has reached a settlement of $180,000 in a federal lawsuit filed by the family of Roger Heard Jr., who was fatally shot by police in August 2023. This settlement will be provided to Heard’s five children, marking a significant decision following the tragic incident that has raised questions about police conduct.

Roger Heard Jr. was shot 14 times by Chattanooga police officers at a Speedway gas station on East 3rd Street while officers attempted to serve an arrest warrant. The shooting occurred amidst a confrontation that began when officers approached Heard’s vehicle in unmarked cars, although they were wearing visible badges. Video evidence indicates that an officer exited their patrol car and immediately opened fire on Heard, causing him to collapse.

Following the incident, the Hamilton County District Attorney, Coty Wamp, released footage which displayed the chaotic moments leading to the shooting. In the confrontation, Heard reportedly fired shots at Officer Celtain Batterson, one of the three officers involved. Following the incident, these officers were placed on administrative leave for further investigation, with one officer sustaining injuries during the altercation.

Details Surrounding the Incident

The consequences of the police shooting have been significant. An autopsy revealed that Roger Heard Jr. suffered gunshot wounds to several areas of his body, including the head, back, stomach, pelvis, and left leg. Concerns have been raised by Heard’s parents regarding the excessive use of force displayed by the police, particularly regarding the number of times their son was shot.

The family has characterized the police actions as an “execution style killing,” asserting that Heard acted in self-defense during the encounter. As a result, they filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging that Officer Batterson violated police policies and was not easily identifiable as an officer during the interaction. Despite the gravity of the event, none of the officers involved in the shooting have faced legal charges.

As procedural actions unfolded, Officer Celtain Batterson resigned from the Chattanooga Police Department amid the investigation and has since been de-certified by the Tennessee POST Commission due to his involvement in the case. Simultaneously, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is conducting an ongoing investigation into the shooting, which has been a matter of great scrutiny in the community.

Community Response

In the wake of the police shooting, community members have expressed their outrage by attending city council meetings, demanding clarity and transparency regarding the incident. Their frustrations have underscored a collective desire for answers about police procedures and accountability in the face of such tragic events.

Conclusions

The settlement of $180,000 is seen as a step towards addressing the families’ needs but does not negate the broader issues of trust and accountability in police actions. The Chattanooga incident sheds light on significant issues concerning law enforcement practices, community relations, and the legal ramifications that arise after such confrontations.

FAQ Section

What led to the police shooting of Roger Heard Jr.?

Roger Heard Jr. was shot 14 times by Chattanooga police officers as they attempted to serve an arrest warrant. The confrontation began when officers approached his vehicle.

What has been the community’s response to the shooting?

Community members have expressed outrage by attending city council meetings, calling for transparency and accountability regarding the police actions.

What is the status of the officers involved in the incident?

None of the officers involved are currently facing criminal charges. Officer Celtain Batterson resigned during the investigation and was de-certified by the Tennessee POST Commission.

How will the settlement amount be distributed?

The agreed-upon settlement amount of $180,000 will be distributed to Roger Heard Jr.’s five children.

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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.

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