Chattanooga, September 15, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga has reached a $180,000 settlement with the family of Roger Heard, Jr., following his fatal shooting by police during an arrest attempt. Witnesses report the police fired 14 shots, raising concerns over the excessive use of force. The settlement will be distributed to Heard’s five children. Despite an investigation that cleared officers of criminal charges, the incident has heightened discussions regarding police conduct and accountability in the community.
Chattanooga Settles Federal Lawsuit for $180,000 After Police Shooting of Roger Heard
Chattanooga has agreed to pay $180,000 to settle a federal lawsuit filed by the family of Roger Heard, Jr., who was shot and killed by police in August 2023. The payment will go to Heard’s five children, marking a significant financial decision for the city.
The shooting incident took place at a Speedway gas station on East 3rd Street as officers attempted to serve an arrest warrant. Witnesses report that Heard was shot 14 times by police during this altercation. In the aftermath, the Hamilton County District Attorney, Coty Wamp, released footage that led to three officers being placed on leave, with one officer sustaining injuries during the confrontation.
Critics, including Heard’s parents, have voiced concerns about the police’s use of force, particularly citing the high number of shots fired at Heard. The settlement payment will be sourced from the city’s general fund, which is supported by taxpayer dollars.
The investigation determined that no criminal charges would be filed against the officers involved. The District Attorney and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) concluded that the officers did not break the law during the incident. An autopsy report confirmed that Heard had discharged a weapon at an unmarked officer prior to being shot, which factored into the decision to not pursue charges against the officers.
Further investigation revealed that Officer Celtain Batterson, who fired on Heard, did not identify himself as law enforcement when approaching Heard’s vehicle. An internal inquiry into the incident indicated that Officer Batterson was not easily identifiable as a police officer at the time of the altercation.
In civil cases like this one, the burden of proof is different from that in criminal cases. Attorney Joe Hollis explained that proving police culpability in civil lawsuits often presents various challenges. The settlement agreement reflects an effort to resolve the case without further litigation, but it also underscores the complexities surrounding police conduct and accountability.
Following the shooting, Officer Batterson lost his POST certifications about a year later due to a separate incident involving the use of a stun gun on a deputy. This situation adds another layer to the discussions surrounding police conduct and their oversight in the community.
Background Context
The shooting of Roger Heard has raised significant questions about police practices in Chattanooga and the protocols that officers follow when engaging with potential suspects. It has also sparked discussions about the necessity and extent of police force during such operations. As communities across the country grapple with police accountability, cases like this one remain critical for examining institutional practices and ensuring justice for affected families.
Key Details of the Case
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Shooting Date | August 2023 |
| Amount Settled | $180,000 |
| Payments Beneficiaries | Five children of Roger Heard |
| Shots Fired | 14 |
| Location of Incident | Speedway gas station, East 3rd Street, Chattanooga |
| Officers Placed on Leave | Three |
| Officer Sustained Injuries? | Yes |
| Criminal Charges Against Officers | No |
| Officer Lost POST Certifications | Yes, approximately one year later |
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the lawsuit against the city of Chattanooga?
The lawsuit was filed after Roger Heard was shot 14 times by police while they were attempting to serve an arrest warrant.
Why was no criminal action taken against the police officers?
The TBI and the District Attorney determined that the officers did not break the law during the incident.
How much will the settlement cost the city?
The settlement will cost Chattanooga $180,000, which will be paid from the city’s general fund.
Who benefits from the settlement payment?
The settlement payment will be given to the five children of Roger Heard, Jr.
What was the result of the internal investigation into the officers involved?
The internal investigation found that Officer Celtain Batterson did not identify himself as law enforcement when approaching Heard’s vehicle.
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Additional Resources
- News Channel 9: Chattanooga Settles Lawsuit
- Times Free Press: Widow’s Death Update
- Local 3 News: Family Claims Police Negligence
- Wikipedia: Police Brutality
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law Enforcement
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.
