Chattanooga, July 23, 2025
News Summary
A tragic incident unfolded in Chattanooga when law enforcement shot and killed 38-year-old Erick Charles Roberson after he attempted to ram his vehicle into a deputy’s patrol car. The shooting occurred late at night in the parking lot of a McDonald’s and Circle K while police were attempting to apprehend Roberson, who had a significant criminal history and multiple active warrants. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is now conducting an independent investigation into the circumstances of the shooting.
Chattanooga Police Shoot and Kill 38-Year-Old Man in Parking Lot Incident
A 38-year-old man, Erick Charles Roberson, was shot and killed by law enforcement in Chattanooga on Monday night following an attempt to ram his vehicle into a police patrol car. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. in the parking lot of a McDonald’s and Circle K located off Highway 58, where police were trying to apprehend Roberson based on a notice generated by an automatic license plate reader.
Roberson was wanted across multiple counties, including Hamilton, Bradley, and Walker, for various felony charges. He had an active “no bond” warrant for violating probation related to a felony theft of property charge and additional felony and misdemeanor warrants for fleeing, attempting to elude police, and failing to stop at a stop sign, among others. Authorities stated that Roberson had a long criminal history with over two dozen charges in Hamilton County since 2003, predominantly misdemeanors.
Officers from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and the Chattanooga Police Department were alerted to Roberson’s vehicle and chose to wait for backup before attempting to execute an arrest in a safer location. However, as they approached to intercept him, Roberson became aware that police were attempting to stop him and reacted by ramming his vehicle into a deputy’s patrol unit. In response, officers opened fire, striking Roberson, who was subsequently rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
There were no reported injuries to law enforcement personnel involved in the incident. A witness who was present at the Circle K during the shooting described seeing multiple muzzle flashes and hearing the sound of gunfire. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has since stepped in to conduct an independent investigation at the request of District Attorney Coty Wamp, and the results will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s office for further review.
The officers who were involved in the shooting have not yet been identified but have been placed on administrative leave as per standard procedure while the investigation is ongoing. Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett indicated that Roberson had used his vehicle as a weapon against law enforcement, highlighting the perilous situation that developed during the attempted arrest.
Background Information
The sequence of events leading to the shooting started with police being alerted about Roberson’s vehicle by an automatic license plate reader. Such technology is increasingly employed by law enforcement agencies to track down wanted suspects based on their vehicle registrations. The decision to wait for backup before approaching was likely an attempt to ensure officer safety and prevent a dangerous confrontation.
Roberson’s criminal record included multiple interactions with law enforcement, and he had previously been charged with felonies and misdemeanors. The law enforcement community often deals with individuals who have complex criminal histories, necessitating protocol-driven approaches to apprehensions.
Investigation and Safety Measures
The TBI’s independent investigation is standard practice in officer-involved shootings, aiming to ensure transparency and accountability. The use of administrative leave for officers involved in such incidents follows established protocols across police departments to allow for a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Conclusion
This incident highlights ongoing issues related to law enforcement, the apprehension of wanted suspects, and the inherent risks involved in police work. The community will undoubtedly await the findings of the TBI investigation with interest, as the legal implications and procedural outcomes will have significant ramifications for local law enforcement practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the shooting of Erick Charles Roberson?
Roberson was shot after he attempted to ram his vehicle into a deputy’s patrol car while being pursued by law enforcement in Chattanooga.
Where did the incident take place?
The shooting occurred in the parking lot of a McDonald’s and Circle K off Highway 58 in Chattanooga.
What were the criminal charges against Roberson?
Roberson had multiple felony charges and active warrants across Hamilton, Bradley, and Walker counties, including a warrant for violating probation on a theft charge.
Who is investigating the incident?
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is conducting an independent investigation into the shooting.
What happens to the officers involved in the shooting?
The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing.
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Additional Resources
- Local 3 News
- Wikipedia: Law enforcement in the United States
- Times Free Press
- Google Search: Chattanooga shooting law enforcement
- News Channel 9
- Google Scholar: Tennessee shooting investigation
- WDEF News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Criminal justice
- NBC News
- Google News: police shooting Chattanooga
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.
