Chattanooga, August 19, 2025
News Summary
A Chattanooga man, Zachary Sharp, was arrested for sexual battery and aggravated assault after a naked, unconscious woman was found in his vehicle. The victim reported being drugged prior to the incident. Authorities are investigating multiple drink spiking claims in the area, warning residents to remain vigilant.
Chattanooga Man Arrested for Sexual Assault After Allegedly Drugging Victim Found Unconscious in Vehicle
A Chattanooga man, Zachary Sharp, has been arrested and charged with sexual battery and aggravated assault following an incident that occurred early Sunday morning. Police responded to a call around 2 a.m. regarding an injured and bleeding individual, leading them to the scene where they found a naked and unconscious woman inside a vehicle parked on Market Street.
Upon arrival, officers noted the woman’s belongings scattered outside the vehicle. After regaining consciousness, she was able to provide a description of Sharp, which assisted police in identifying him as the alleged assailant. Sharp claimed he had been expelled from the nearby Westbound Bar earlier that evening and asserted he had discovered the woman in the car, attempting to wake her.
According to Sharp, the victim became confrontational, scratching and throwing items at him during their encounter. He stated that he shoved her against the car window in an effort to escape the situation. However, evidence and the victim’s recollection suggested she had been drugged prior to the incident; she reported last drinking at Shady’s Corner.
The victim sustained notable physical injuries, including a broken left pinkie, a possible broken wrist, and a black eye accompanied by a small laceration. Following the investigation, Sharp was taken into custody and charged with the aforementioned offenses.
This incident has raised concerns among local authorities, as both the Chattanooga and UTC police are currently investigating a series of drink spiking incidents reported in the downtown area. At least one other victim has come forward with claims of being drugged and assaulted after visiting Shady’s Bar.
Chattanooga police have urged anyone with information concerning drink spiking incidents to reach out to either the UTC Police Department or the Chattanooga Police Department in order to aid their ongoing investigations.
Background Context
The rise in incidents of drink spiking has become a growing concern in many cities across the nation, often leading to more severe crimes such as sexual assault. Drink spiking usually involves slipping drugs into a person’s beverage without their knowledge, rendering them incapable of giving consent. In Chattanooga, the recent incidents have heightened public awareness and concern for safety in nightlife areas.
Authorities encourage individuals to remain vigilant and ensure they look after their drinks while out socializing, as well as to report any suspicious activities immediately.
FAQ Section
What happened in the Chattanooga incident?
Zachary Sharp was arrested for sexual assault after a woman was found unconscious and injured in a vehicle. The victim had reportedly been drugged prior to the assault.
What were the victim’s injuries?
The victim sustained a broken left pinkie, a possible broken wrist, and a black eye with a small laceration.
What do police say about drink spiking incidents?
Police are investigating multiple reports of drink spiking in downtown Chattanooga, with warnings for individuals to be cautious of their drinks while out at bars.
Who should I contact if I have information about drink spiking?
Anyone with information regarding drink spiking incidents is encouraged to contact the UTC Police Department or the Chattanooga Police Department.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Market Street, Chattanooga |
| Time of Incident | 2 a.m., Sunday morning |
| Suspect | Zachary Sharp |
| Charges | Sexual battery, aggravated assault |
| Victim’s Condition | Naked, unconscious, and injured |
| Victim’s Injuries | Broken left pinkie, possible wrist fracture, black eye |
| Drugging Suspicions | Victim believed to have been drugged |
| Ongoing Investigations | Local police looking into drink spiking incidents |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- News Channel 9
- Wikipedia: Sexual Assault
- Local 3 News
- Google Search: Drink Spiking Safety
- Times Free Press
- Google Scholar: Sexual Assault Prevention
- Local 3 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Assault
- Times Free Press
- Google News: Chattanooga Sexual Assault
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.
