Chattanooga police arrest robbery suspect after fatal shooting at Bi-Lo

photo Galen Allen

Chattanooga police have arrested a man whose partner was killed during a robbery they planned at a Bi-Lo parking lot last week.

Galen Allen, 26, faces charges of attempted first degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and tampering with evidence.

Allen's partner, 17-year-old Calvin Ward, was shot and killed when the victim, Jaden Archer, fired his Glock .40 caliber in self defense, according to Chattanooga police.

Jaden Archer was uninjured and still on scene when police arrived. He told police he met Ward at the parking lot to purchase electronic tablets.

Instead, Ward tried to rob him at gunpoint, he told police.

Ward was found dead in a white Kia parked in the grocery store parking lot at 4510 Highway 58. A handgun was found in the car with him in the passenger's side. He suffered a couple of gunshot wounds to his back.

Allen attempted to pull Archer from the vehicle. Archer also shot Allen. Allen managed to make it to a local hospital where he was treated.

Witnesses told police a gray van was seen speeding away from the scene.

Allen has since been booked into the Hamilton County Jail and held on a $470,000 bond.

Archer faces no charges because the shootings were in self defense.

Ward's death marks the 18th homicide of the year. In 2012, there were 24 homicides.

Allen's next court date is set for Dec. 12 before Hamilton County General Sessions Court Judge Lila Statom.

For more on this story, read Tuesday's Times Free Press.

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