Security guard shot and killed at Bella Vita after scuffle with customer

This is the second Bella Vita shooting of 2016

Andrew Wilson is accused of shooting a security guard at Bella Vita, in downtown Chattanooga.
Andrew Wilson is accused of shooting a security guard at Bella Vita, in downtown Chattanooga.
photo Andrew Wilson, 31, has been accused of shooting and killing a security guard at Bella Vita on Saturday night during a dispute.

Police were called to break up a fight at 2 a.m. inside the Bella Vita club in downtown Chattanooga, but before they arrived a man was fatally shot in the scuffle.

Andrew Wilson, 31, was removed by the club's private security, but once outside he pulled a gun and fired at security guard Johnny Sanders, fatally wounding the 40-year-old, according to a statement released by the Chattanooga Police Department.

Wilson was immediately detained by other private security guards.

Police arrived moments later, but it was too late for Sanders, who succumbed to his injuries after being rushed to the hospital.

Wilson, who has a long rap sheet that includes previous charges of homicide and drug dealing, was charged with criminal homicide and unlawful possession of a firearm.

This is the club's second shooting this year. A 35-year-old man, Reuben Simpson, was shot in the head on March 13 just after 3 a.m.

His injuries were not life-threatening.

Bella Vita staff provided information about the victim and a suspect, both of whom they said had been at the restaurant, and police arrested one man.

After investigators spoke with him, they determined he was not involved in the shooting and he was released.

Upcoming Events