News Summary
Local police in Chattanooga have made several arrests in response to an uptick in gun violence, focusing on three high-profile shooting incidents. Among those apprehended is Roberto Mejia-Chalate, who faces multiple charges after a shooting left victims injured and property damaged. Another incident left a victim paralyzed, with Jakel Woods arrested as the shooter. Additionally, Nicholas Antiono Cheaton has been arrested for a murder case from earlier this year. Law enforcement urges community cooperation to combat the increasing crime rate.
Chattanooga, TN – A series of arrests have been made by local police in response to increasing gun violence and crime in the region, focusing on three significant shooting incidents that have drawn public attention and concern.
In a notable case, 19-year-old Roberto Mejia-Chalate was apprehended following a shooting on Dodds Avenue that took place on April 27, 2025. The incident not only caused injuries but also resulted in extensive damage to nearby vehicles and properties. After thorough investigation, police identified the suspect’s vehicle as a black Chrysler 300 and conducted a traffic stop on May 10, 2025. During the stop, Mejia-Chalate attempted to evade arrest but crashed his vehicle. Three individuals who were with him tried to flee on foot but were subsequently captured by the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD). Two firearms were recovered at the scene, along with identification linking Mejia-Chalate to the shooting incident. He is now facing multiple charges related to the case and is already in custody on three counts of first-degree murder.
In another troubling development, a shooting on East Brainerd Road has left a victim paralyzed from the waist down. This incident occurred around 4:40 AM when a 25-year-old man was shot while retrieving a Bluetooth speaker from his car’s trunk at a stoplight. Police have since identified the vehicle involved—a green 2008 Ford Escape. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect flee after the shooting, leading to the arrest of 22-year-old Jakel Woods, who admitted to being the shooter. Woods claimed he felt threatened by the victim, which he cited as justification for the shooting. He is currently facing charges related to this incident and has a court date scheduled for June 3.
Additionally, in relation to a murder investigation from March of this year, Nicholas Antiono Cheaton, a 41-year-old resident of Chattanooga, has been arrested for the murder of 39-year-old William Oliver Jones from Georgia. Jones was found deceased in his home on March 14, 2025. Cheaton is being held in Hamilton County Jail and is awaiting extradition. The investigation into Jones’s death is active, with an autopsy still pending.
Local law enforcement officials are continuing to monitor these cases as part of their broader efforts to tackle the rising crime rate in Chattanooga. They are actively encouraging residents to come forward with any information about these ongoing investigations, emphasizing community cooperation in enhancing public safety.
The increase in firearm-related incidents across Chattanooga is prompting a response from law enforcement as they navigate the challenges of rising crime levels. Authorities are focused on apprehending suspects involved in violent acts while also seeking support from the community to help reduce occurrences of crime.
As the investigations progress, residents are urged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to the police. The Chattanooga Police Department is committed to ensuring safety and security for all community members as they address these pressing issues.
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Additional Resources
- WDEF: Chattanooga Police Arrest Suspect Tied to Dodds Avenue Shooting
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
- Local 3 News: Update – Chattanooga Man Charged with Attempted First-Degree Murder
- Google Search: Chattanooga Gun Violence
- Valdosta Today: GBI Arrests Chattanooga Man in GA Murder Investigation
- Google Scholar: Chattanooga Murder
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Man Arrested and Charged with Murder
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chattanooga
- Chattanooga Pulse: Chattanooga Police Make Arrest in Attempted Murder Investigation
- Google News: Chattanooga Police
