Gang member Le Mario Branham shot in East Lake

LeMario Rashard Branham

Chattanooga police are investigating a shooting that sent a 25-year-old gang member to the hospital Thursday morning.

LeMario Branham, who is a documented Gangster Disciple, reportedly was sitting in a parked car at 2200 E. 27th Street Court off Fourth Avenue when a gunman approached him at 10:12 a.m., opened fire and then ran from the area in the East Lake Courts, according to police.

Branham was taken to a local hospital in a private vehicle after he was shot in the shoulder. His injury was not life-threatening.

Detectives believe Branham was targeted, said Master Patrol Officer Nathan Hartwig, spokesman for the department.

In December, assault and murder charges against Branham were dismissed in Hamilton County Sessions Court in connection with the shooting death of 21-year-old Kenyeta Tramble.

Tramble, who has a young son, was standing on a porch when she was killed.

At the time of his arrest, witnesses told police they saw blood on Branham and heard a gunshot. The charge was thrown out after other witnesses helped clear him.

Branham was convicted of voluntary manslaughter after 52-year-old Larry Parks was shot to death in 2007. He received a six-year sentence.

Branham has pending criminal charges for reckless endangerment, vandalism, evading arrest and possession of a prohibited weapon. He is scheduled to appear before Criminal Court Judge Don Poole on May 30.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Chattanooga police at 423-698-2525.

Contact staff writer Beth Burger at bburger@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6406. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/abburger.