Chattanooga, Tennessee, October 27, 2025
News Summary
Two men, Michael Banks and Shakell Gary, were arrested after firing gunshots from a moving car near Shady’s Bar in Chattanooga. The incident occurred in the early hours, prompting police intervention. Witnesses reported seeing shots fired as the suspects approached the bar. Both men now face multiple charges, including DUI and reckless endangerment, and are scheduled for court appearances in the coming weeks amidst growing concerns about gun violence in the community.
Chattanooga, Tennessee – Two Men Arrested After Gunshots Fired from Moving Car Near Chattanooga Bar
Two men have been arrested following a gunfire incident that occurred early Sunday morning near Shady’s Bar, located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The suspects, identified as 32-year-old Michael Banks and 29-year-old Shakell Gary, are now facing several charges linked to the shooting.
The incident transpired around 3:00 AM when the passenger of a silver Dodge Charger reportedly fired multiple shots into the air from the vehicle while approaching the bar. As police responded to the shots fired call, they located approximately 14 shell casings scattered between E 14th Street and Central Avenue.
A police investigator, who was on patrol, observed a silver Dodge Charger driving south on Hwy 153 without its lights on. This prompted the investigator to follow the vehicle to a nearby Speedway Gas Station. Upon arrival, the investigator noted an empty pistol magazine on the center console and spotted two passengers sleeping in the back seat.
During the encounter, Gary attempted to drive the car away but was stopped by officers before he could leave. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a gun on the driver’s side floorboard, along with an extended magazine and more shell casings.
Witnesses in the back seat stated that they had been denied entry into Shady’s Bar due to intoxication and had been resting in the car when Banks and Gary returned. They observed Banks passing a firearm to Gary and noted that Banks fired shots out of the window as Gary urged him to stop shooting.
Gary confirmed that he had been at Shady’s Bar but claimed he was unaware of who had fired the weapon. He also refused to consent to a blood test for intoxication. Both Banks and Gary were subsequently taken into custody and booked at the Hamilton County Jail.
Gary faces charges related to DUI and firearm possession, while Banks has been charged with reckless endangerment and gun possession under the influence. They are scheduled to appear in court on November 6, 2023, for Gary and October 31, 2023, for Banks.
Background Context
This incident comes amid ongoing concerns about gun violence in the state. The presence of firearms near public establishments, especially following the consumption of alcohol, raises substantial safety issues for patrons and local communities alike. Police continue to emphasize the importance of responsible firearm ownership and the dangers of discharging a weapon in public spaces.
FAQ Section
What were Michael Banks and Shakell Gary arrested for?
Both men have been taken to Hamilton County Jail; Gary faces DUI and firearm-related charges, while Banks faces charges for reckless endangerment and gun possession under the influence.
What happened during the incident at Shady’s Bar?
The incident involved the passenger of a silver Dodge Charger sticking a gun out of the window and firing multiple shots into the air as they approached the bar.
When are the court appearances for the two suspects?
An indefinite date for their court appearances has been set: Gary on November 6 and Banks on October 31.
What did witnesses report during the incident?
The two backseat passengers said they had been denied entry into Shady’s Bar due to intoxication and had been sleeping in the car when Banks and Gary returned. They witnessed Banks pass a firearm to Gary and saw Banks firing shots out of the window.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Shady’s Bar, Chattanooga, Tennessee |
| Suspects | Michael Banks (32), Shakell Gary (29) |
| Time of Incident | 3:00 AM, Sunday |
| Charges | DUI, firearm-related charges, reckless endangerment |
| Shell Casings Found | Approximately 14 shell casings |
| Court Appearance Dates | Gary: November 6, Banks: October 31 |
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Additional Resources
- Local 3 News
- News Channel 9
- WSMV
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence
- Times Free Press
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Firearm
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.
