Police: Man followed victim around Chattanooga all day before shooting

Brandon Varnell
Brandon Varnell
photo Brandon McArthur Varnell
The 25-year-old man accused of shooting another man Wednesday afternoon allegedly followed his victim throughout the day before shooting him in the leg.

Brandon Varnell is charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony and unlawful possession.

The victim, 36-year-old Shermain Menifee, arrived at a local hospital around 3:16 p.m. Wednesday with a gunshot wound to the leg. He told police that he was sitting in his car when Varnell drove toward him on E. 14th Street in a gray Volvo.

When the Volvo reached Menifee's car, Menifee said Varnell stopped, rolled down the window, pulled out a handgun and fired through Menifee's car door, striking him once.

Menifee said he's known Varnell for some time and had an 'ongoing problem' with the man. Menifee also told police that he'd noticed the gray Volvo following him earlier in the day.

Varnell is being held in the Hamilton County Jail.

Stay with the Times Free Press for updates on this developing story.

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