Police News: Officer cleared in shooting

Officer cleared in shooting

The Chattanooga police officer placed on leave after an incident at the Southside Reunion has been returned to his regular duties, according to a news release.

Officer Justin Headden was put on administrative leave with pay Sunday after he was involved in a shooting Saturday night near 2600 Long St., but is back to his regular assignment in the patrol division, the release said.

A news release sent out Sunday night stated that Headden confronted a suspect who had opened fire at people at the Southside Reunion. Headden fired several rounds at the suspect, who was not hit. The suspect then fled and had not been located as of Sunday night.

Chattanooga Police Department spokesman Nathan Hartwig said in a news release Monday that reports indicated there were two suspects shooting at the partygoers Saturday before Headden engaged one of the suspects.

Hartwig said officers confirmed there were validated gang members at the Reunion.

"But there is no evidence at this time to support the claim that they were involved in the shots fired," Hartwig said in the release.

Rash of gasoline thefts reported

Chattanooga police say a number of gasoline thefts have been reported in the areas of Hixson and Hamilton Place.

The suspect or suspects approached parked cars, cut the gas lines and drained the tanks, according to a news release.

A woman pumping gas at a Brainerd gas station also reported an attempt to steal her purse. The suspect entered her vehicle while her back was turned and grabbed her purse. The woman turned around and confronted the suspect, who returned her belongings, claiming someone else had taken them.

The suspect is described as a white man in his mid-20s with a shaved head and no teeth. He is approximately 5 feet 9 inches and weighs about 200 pounds, the release says.

"We ask that citizens be aware of their surroundings and keep their valuables on their person or locked in a secure location," said Chattanooga Police Department spokesman Nathan Hartwig said in the release.

Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to call the Chattanooga Police Department at 423-698-2525.

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