Chattanooga: Ex-boyfriend charged with attempted murder

Staff report

Chattanooga police arrested an 18-year-old who will charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a weapon in connection with a shooting that occurred Monday night.

Ronald L. Drake Jr., of 4614 Lockington Lane, was arrested after police responded to Erlanger hospital Monday night on a report that someone had been shot, said police spokeswoman Lt. Kim Noorbergen in a news release.

The 17-year-old victim had a gunshot wound to his neck, the lieutenant said.

His girlfriend, also 17, told police the pair were walking down Lockington Lane and passed by the residence of Mr. Drake, who was her ex-boyfriend, Lt. Noorbergen said.

Mr. Drake allegedly came out and started a verbal argument, which became physical when the 17-year-old male struck Mr. Drake in the face, the lieutenant said.

The girl told police that Mr. Drake went back inside his residence, retrieved a weapon, then fired a shot, striking the 17-year-old male as the pair walked away from the residence.

The gunshot victim was treated at Erlanger for a wound to the neck and dislocated right shoulder before being released, Lt. Noorbergen said.

The 17-year-olds’ identities have not been released because they are juveniles, she said.

Mr. Drake will be transported to Hamilton County Jail, Lt. Noorbergen said.