Chattanooga, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga has seen multiple troubling incidents, including a fatal shooting and a tragic bicyclist accident. A popular festival has also been postponed amidst community concerns. The local Walk for Apraxia is still set to proceed, bringing support to families of affected children. These events highlight ongoing issues of safety and community wellbeing.
Chattanooga
Multiple incidents have recently unfolded in Chattanooga, Tennessee, including a shooting that resulted in a fatality, a tragic accident involving a bicyclist, and the postponement of a popular festival. These events have raised concerns about community safety and the impact on local activities.
On Friday evening, Chattanooga Police arrested 64-year-old Guster Harfield in connection with a shooting incident at the Motel 6 on Lee Highway. Officers discovered a 43-year-old man dead from gunshot wounds after the incident, which was captured on surveillance footage. The footage showed Harfield and another individual knocking on the victim’s door, after which Harfield shot the victim as he exited the room and continued firing as the victim fled to the parking lot. Harfield was apprehended when police used images of his vehicle provided by the CPD Real Time Intelligence Center. Following interrogation, Harfield admitted to his involvement in the crime and is currently held on a charge of first-degree murder.
In a separate incident earlier that day, a 55-year-old man lost his life after being struck by a car while bicycling at the intersection of Oakhill Road and Sterchi Drive. As the cyclist rode east on Sterchi Drive, he was hit by a driver in a Nissan. Despite being rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, he later succumbed to his injuries. The driver and a passenger in the Nissan sustained minor injuries and were also taken to the hospital.
In addition to these incidents, the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival has been postponed until 2026. Organizers cited the ongoing expansion of the Chattanooga community as the reason for the delay, with further details from the city expected in the coming weeks. This decision comes after the festival’s inaugural year had been overshadowed by a serious accident that injured two volunteers during a car time trial. Coverage of this incident led to an award-winning investigation regarding safety measures at future events, highlighting community concerns about participant and spectator safety.
As the weekend approaches, the city of Chattanooga is also gearing up for the Walk for Apraxia, the largest fundraising and awareness event for children affected by childhood apraxia of speech. This motor speech disorder makes it difficult for children to speak, and funds raised from the event will aid Apraxia Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children with this condition. The walk is set to occur as planned, providing a much-needed opportunity for the community to come together in support of affected children and their families, despite the surrounding incidents.
Incident Overview
- Police Shooting: Guster Harfield arrested for first-degree murder.
- Bicyclist Accident: 55-year-old man fatally struck by a car.
- Festival Postponement: Chattanooga Motorcar Festival postponed until 2026.
- Community Event: Walk for Apraxia scheduled for this weekend.
Contact Information
For any inquiries regarding these incidents or for further assistance, residents are encouraged to reach out to local authorities or community organizations for support and information.
FAQ
What happened in Chattanooga recently?
Multiple incidents have been reported, including a shooting, a fatal bicyclist accident, and the postponement of a popular festival.
Who was arrested in connection with the shooting incident?
64-year-old Guster Harfield was arrested in connection with the shooting incident.
What was the outcome of the shooting?
A 43-year-old man was found dead from gunshot wounds following the incident.
What happened to the bicyclist?
A 55-year-old man died after being struck by a car while bicycling at the intersection of Oakhill Road and Sterchi Drive.
Why was the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival postponed?
The festival has been postponed until 2026 due to the ongoing expansion of the Chattanooga community.
What is the Walk for Apraxia?
The Walk for Apraxia is the largest fundraising and awareness event for children affected by childhood apraxia of speech.
Summary of Key Incidents
| Incident | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Shooting Incident | Guster Harfield shot a 43-year-old man at Motel 6 | Arrested, charged with first-degree murder |
| Bicyclist Accident | 55-year-old man struck by driver in Nissan | Victim died, driver and passenger injured |
| Festival Postponement | Chattanooga Motorcar Festival postponed until 2026 | Ongoing expansion of community |
| Walk for Apraxia | Fundraising event for children with speech disorder | Scheduled for this weekend |
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Additional Resources
- NewsChannel 9: Man Shot on Lee Highway
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
- NewsChannel 9: Bicyclist Dies After Crash
- Google Search: Chattanooga Motorcar Festival
- NewsChannel 9: Officer Involved Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Accident
- NewsChannel 9: Inclusive Playground Opens
- Google News: Chattanooga Incidents
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.
