A knife-wielding individual attempting to elude authorities was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after being shot by Chattanooga police near the Chattanooga National Cemetery on Tuesday, according to a news release from the police department.
Police said the suspect led officers on a foot chase toward the cemetery exit. The release said officers attempted to keep the suspect contained to prevent a greater public safety risk, but were placed in imminent, life-threatening danger by the suspect, leading multiple officers to fire their weapons.
Officers immediately began rendering life-saving care and called for emergency medical services, according to the release.
Per department policy, all 0fficers involved will be placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. The number of officers placed on leave, and their names, were not released.
At the request of the district attorney's office, the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office will be handling the investigation, and all findings will be turned over to the DA.
The suspect's weapon was recovered at the scene, according to the release.
How it started
Police responded to the 12oo block of Bailey Avenue just after 2 p.m. on the report of an armed person, the release said. Upon arrival, the person who called police advised officers that someone with a large knife was in the office of the national cemetery exhibiting erratic and threatening behavior.
Officers found the person to be clearly agitated. Officers made several attempts to de-escalate the situation without success which led to a foot chase.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and more information will be released when available.
- Compiled by Lew Gilliland