Chattanooga, October 26, 2025
News Summary
A recent undercover operation by the Chattanooga Police Department has led to the arrest of three individuals tied to cocaine sales and drink spiking allegations at Shady’s Corner Bar. Following several community complaints about drug activities and sexual assaults at the venue, police found significant evidence during the operation, including multiple pre-packaged cocaine baggies. The suspects now face felony drug charges, with ongoing investigations into drink tampering and related sexual assaults.
Chattanooga – An undercover investigation conducted by the Chattanooga Police Department’s Narcotics Unit has resulted in the arrest of three individuals connected to cocaine sales and serious drink spiking allegations at Shady’s Corner Bar, located at 1402 Cemetery Avenue. The police operation was launched following multiple complaints about drink tampering, sexual assaults, and drug sales involving both employees and patrons of the establishment.
The investigation revealed a systematic issue of illegal drug distribution within the bar’s atmosphere. On September 11, during the undercover operation, kitchen manager Darian Joshua Drake Stevens engaged in a drug transaction, selling one gram of cocaine to undercover officers for $80 in the bar’s parking lot. During this sale, officers noted multiple pre-packaged baggies of cocaine on Stevens’ person.
On October 23, police returned to the bar to execute arrest warrants related to the ongoing undercover investigation. Officers located Stevens in a gray Chrysler Aspen alongside Micah Hand. Following their detention and search, both men admitted to possessing cocaine, which was found in Hand’s pocket and in the glove box of Stevens’ vehicle.
Inside Shady’s Corner Bar, police arrested Lebron Dexter Jackson, a customer who had previously been involved in cocaine sales during two undercover operations. A “large amount” of cocaine was discovered in his pants pocket during the arrest. Jackson was noted as being “extremely uncooperative” with law enforcement during the process.
All three suspects, Stevens, Hand, and Jackson, are now facing felony drug charges due to their involvement in the transactions. The police department emphasized that the investigation into drink spiking remains open, with multiple reports linking this issue to incidents of sexual assault that have occurred in connection with the bar.
The operations conducted by the Chattanooga Police signal a significant concern regarding the prevalence of illegal drug sales within social environments and the equally alarming accusations of drink tampering that may pose a risk to public safety. As investigations continue, authorities are actively seeking any additional information related to these allegations and urge the community to come forward with any relevant details.
In summary, the undercover operation at Shady’s Corner Bar has highlighted a critical issue of drug sales and drink tampering linked to serious criminal activity. Local law enforcement is dedicated to addressing these claims and ensuring the safety of the community, with ongoing investigations to provide further clarity and justice for affected individuals.
FAQ
What prompted the undercover investigation at Shady’s Corner Bar?
The investigation was initiated after multiple complaints regarding drink tampering, sexual assaults, and drug sales involving both employees and patrons at the bar.
What were the charges faced by the suspects arrested?
All three suspects, Stevens, Hand, and Jackson, are facing felony drug charges.
What evidence was found on the suspects?
During the operations, police found multiple pre-packaged baggies of cocaine on Stevens’ person and a large amount of cocaine in Jackson’s pants pocket.
Are there ongoing investigations related to drink spiking?
Yes, the investigation into drink spiking continues, with reports linking it to incidents of sexual assault.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Shady’s Corner Bar, 1402 Cemetery Avenue, Chattanooga |
| Operation Commencement | After multiple complaints regarding drink tampering, sexual assaults, and drug sales |
| Suspects | Darian Joshua Drake Stevens, Micah Hand, Lebron Dexter Jackson |
| Charges | Felony drug charges for all three suspects |
| Evident Findings | Pre-packaged baggies of cocaine on Stevens; large amount of cocaine in Jackson’s pocket |
| Ongoing Investigations | Drink spiking and sexual assault reports in connection to the bar |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- NewsChannel 9: Undercover Sting at Chattanooga Bar
- Local 3 News: Undercover Investigation at Shady’s Leads to Arrests
- All On Georgia: Chattanooga Man Convicted of Trafficking Fentanyl
- WGNS Radio: Update on Operation Targeting Child Sex Trafficking
- Local 3 News: Ongoing Investigation in Drink Spiking Cases
- Wikipedia: Drink Spiking
- Google Search: Chattanooga Criminal Investigation
- Google Scholar: Drink Spiking and Police Investigations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug Control
- Google News: Chattanooga Bar 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.
