If you live in Chattanooga or nearby Hamilton County, this Saturday night’s violent shooting on Rossville Boulevard is a serious warning for your safety. At 11:15 p.m. on May 17, three people were shot in a parking lot near a local bar — leaving one dead and others critically injured.
This shocking event has left the community on edge, and you need to know what happened and what to watch for next.
What We Know So Far
- Around 11:15 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, Chattanooga Police responded to a shooting in the 2900 block of Rossville Boulevard.
- Three victims were found: a 33-year-old man who died at the scene, a 44-year-old man with life-threatening injuries, and a 29-year-old man with non-life-threatening wounds.
- The two surviving victims were rushed to the hospital.
- Police say the victims were sitting inside a Nissan Frontier truck when two suspects suddenly opened fire without warning.
- The suspects have been identified as 19-year-old Roberto Carlos Meja-Chakate and 23-year-old Jerry Juarez-Bernabe.
- After the shooting, the suspects fled in a dark gray Nissan Altima but were quickly located and arrested by East Ridge Police.
- Both suspects face first-degree murder charges and are held at Hamilton County Jail.
- Police urge anyone with information to call the CPD Homicide Tip Line at 423-643-5100.
What It Means for Chattanooga and Hamilton County
This shooting is a sharp reminder that violent crime can erupt unexpectedly in familiar places like Rossville Boulevard, a busy corridor in Chattanooga. Residents in Hamilton County are reminded to stay alert, especially late at night near bars and parking lots. Local officials stress that rapid police response helped prevent further harm, but community safety depends on everyone staying aware and reporting suspicious activity.
An official from the Chattanooga Police Department stated, “We are committed to bringing justice to this case and ensuring the safety of our neighborhoods.”
What You Should Watch For and Do Now
- Avoid the 2900 block of Rossville Boulevard area late at night until police finish their investigation.
- If you live or work nearby, stay vigilant and report any unusual or suspicious behavior to authorities immediately.
- Consider alternate routes or parking areas when going out in Chattanooga, especially at night.
- Remember to keep your phone handy and emergency numbers saved, like CPD’s Homicide Tip Line at 423-643-5100.
- Stay informed by following local news updates on this ongoing case.
Stay informed, stay safe — and check out our list of safe nightlife spots in Chattanooga to enjoy your evenings with peace of mind.
This article was written by John Deluca. AI was used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.
