Chattanooga, TN, August 26, 2025
News Summary
In Chattanooga, Misty Sue Coleman faces charges of aggravated child abuse for allegedly striking her daughter with a vehicle at a local school. The incident occurred when the girl, upset after missing her bus, approached the principal for help. Witnesses confirmed the girl’s version of events, detailing a confrontation that escalated to the mother accelerating the vehicle while the child was exiting. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation following the incident, and the child’s welfare has been referred to the Department of Children’s Services.
Chattanooga, TN – Misty Sue Coleman has been charged with aggravated child abuse after allegedly striking her daughter with her vehicle at a local school. The incident took place on the morning of Tuesday, August 19, at the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy (CGLA), raising concerns about the safety of children in the care of their parents.
The incident began when Coleman’s daughter, visibly upset after missing the bus, arrived at the principal’s office seeking assistance. Reports indicate that the young girl revealed her mother’s frustration at having to drive her to school that day. As she attempted to exit the vehicle, her mother allegedly accelerated and struck the child’s right ankle with the car.
Witnesses, including school staff, corroborated the child’s version of events. Surveillance footage from the school showed the child partially exiting the rear passenger side of Coleman’s vehicle when it accelerated, resulting in the impact. After the collision, Coleman reportedly drove away from the school premises without stopping, leaving the car door ajar.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) promptly investigated the incident, reviewing the available video evidence. Their findings confirmed the girl’s account of the unfortunate event, leading to Coleman’s arrest. She is now facing significant legal consequences as a result of her actions.
Following the incident, Principal Sylvia Davis from CGLA made a referral to the Department of Children’s Services to ensure the child’s welfare. Interestingly, it was noted that the daughter had previously been referred to the same agency by her therapist for an unrelated matter. This prior involvement has prompted further scrutiny into the family dynamics and the child’s home environment.
The community’s concern over child safety is heightened by these events, raising discussions about parental responsibility and the potential consequences of actions that endanger the well-being of minors. The ongoing investigation by authorities will likely shed light on the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Background
Child abuse cases have risen to the forefront of public concern, with this incident shining a light on the complexities surrounding parent-child relationships. In situations where frustrations boil over, the risk of intentional or unintentional harm increases, which may have dire consequences. Organizations like the Department of Children’s Services play a pivotal role in evaluating children’s welfare and intervening when necessary to safeguard their interests.
This case serves as a reminder of the critical responsibilities parents have in maintaining a safe and supportive environment for their children. The legal ramifications of child abuse can be severe, further emphasizing the importance of parental guidance and emotional stability within the home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What charges has Misty Sue Coleman faced?
Misty Sue Coleman has been charged with aggravated child abuse for allegedly hitting her daughter with her car.
What led to the incident at Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy?
The incident occurred after Coleman’s daughter missed the school bus, and upon being driven to school by her mother, Coleman’s anger led to the child being struck by the vehicle.
What actions were taken following the incident?
After the incident was reported, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation. The school principal also made a referral to the Department of Children’s Services.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | August 19 |
| Location | Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy |
| Charges Filed | Aggravated child abuse |
| Incident Description | Daughter allegedly struck while exiting vehicle |
| Investigation Result | Confirmed by surveillance footage |
| Referral Made | Department of Children’s Services |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Tragic Shooting Spree in Lexington Leaves Community in Shock
Chattanooga Man Arrested for Felony Child Neglect
Chattanooga Sees Rise in Criminal Activity with Multiple Arrests
Tragic Death of Infant in Hot Car Sparks Outrage
Father Arrested for Endangering Children in U-Haul
Multiple Arrests in Hamilton County for DUI and Assault
Additional Resources
- Local 3 News
- Wikipedia: Child Abuse
- Chattanoogan
- Google Search: Child Safety Issues
- News Channel 9
- Google Scholar: Parenting and Abuse
- CBS 12 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Protective Services
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.
