Latest Update at 6:09 p.m.: Chattanooga police say a bullet grazed the back of a man's head today when his friend accidentally fired a pistol in the parking lot of First Baptist Church of Chattanooga on East Eighth Street.
According to a news release, the victim said his friend was trying to show him a pistol around 11 a.m. when he accidentally fired it. The bullet caused just a small cut in the back of the victim's head. Police did not identify the shooter or the victim in the release.
The shooter left the parking lot before officers arrived, with the victim's permission. Paramedics then drove the victim to a local hospital, and he was later released.
The shooting happened in the parking lot of the church, located next to the Guerry Apartments for UTC students. At 11:54 a.m., school administrators sent an alert on Twitter, on Facebook and in a text message to students.
"Police are investigating a shooting of a non-student near campus," the alert read. "Stay indoors. Report suspicious activity to 911."
At 12:26 p.m., administrators sent another alert, telling students they could resume normal activity because the shooting was an isolated incident.
___
Update at 12:52 p.m.: Chattanooga police say the shooting in a parking lot beside First Baptist Church and near the Guerry Apartments was an accident.
Officers inspected a silver Nissan parked in the lot, but just moments ago, police Sgt. Victor Miller said the investigation is closed and no further information will be released.
No information was immediately available on the victim.
Police said there is no danger to students or the public.
___
Original article at 12:14 a.m.: Chattanooga and campus police are investigating a shooting near the Mapp Building but off campus, UTC said in a tweet a few minutes after noon.
The tweet said the attack happened in a parking lot and the suspect fled away from the campus.
The university is telling students to stay indoors, keep doors locked and report suspicious activity to police.
This is a developing story.