The homicide that occurred this past weekend on Chestnut Street is a tragic reminder of the toll that violence takes in our city. My sympathies and thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the victim. Meanwhile, we continue to hope for the other victim’s quick recovery.
— Andy Berke (@AndyBerke) February 19, 2018
Police are still on the lookout for the suspect involved in an apparent drive-by shooting that left one woman fatally injured on Chestnut Street near Southside Social early Sunday morning.
Looking forward, I believe that a coordinated, well-funded, and proactive strategy will be essential to preventing future tragic incidents like this one. We of course treat these incidents extremely seriously.
— Andy Berke (@AndyBerke) February 19, 2018
Cachet Peterson, 21, and Tiana Linares, 24, were in a vehicle traveling north on Chestnut Street outside of Southside Social when they were shot by a suspect in a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction, according to Chattanooga police. Both women were taken to a local hospital where Peterson died a short time later.
"[Chattanooga Police] Major Crimes Investigators are working around the clock on this case. The investigators are reviewing evidence, speaking to witnesses and other community members, and gathering intelligence from other CPD Officers working in the area around the time of the shooting," wrote, Elisa Myzal, Chattanooga Police spokeswoman, in an emailed statement.
I will continue to work with the Chattanooga City Council, state lawmakers, local law enforcement agencies, and all of our community partners to implement the policies and policing techniques that reduce fatalities and ensure the safety and peace of mind of all Chattanoogans.
— Andy Berke (@AndyBerke) February 19, 2018
"We encourage anyone who saw or heard something that may be helpful to please call the Homicide Tip Line at 423-643-5100. Even the smallest bit of information, which may seem insignificant, might help with the investigation. Callers can remain anonymous and all tips go directly to investigators."
Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke also took to Twitter Monday afternoon to address the shooting, expressing his sympathies for Peterson's family and saying her death underscored the need to focus on stopping gun violence in Chattanooga.
"Looking forward, I believe that a coordinated, well-funded, and proactive strategy will be essential to preventing future tragic incidents like this one. We of course treat these incidents extremely seriously," he tweeted.
"I will continue to work with the Chattanooga City Council, state lawmakers, local law enforcement agencies, and all of our community partners to implement the policies and policing techniques that reduce fatalities and ensure the safety and peace of mind of all Chattanoogans."