CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Officer-Involved Shooting Leaves Suspect Dead Outside McDonald’s Drive-Thru
A man wanted in three Tennessee counties was shot and killed by law enforcement Monday night in the drive-thru of a McDonald’s in Chattanooga, following a dramatic encounter with deputies.
According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), 38-year-old Erick Charles Roberson was fatally shot by Hamilton County deputies and Chattanooga Police officers after allegedly ramming a deputy’s patrol car while attempting to flee. The incident took place around the time Roberson was waiting for food in the drive-thru lane. He was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Witnesses at the scene described a tense and confusing moment. “That man was just in the drive-thru to get something to eat… his food wasn’t even made yet,” one woman told reporters. “And they weren’t in harm’s way.”
Authorities say Roberson was wanted on outstanding warrants in three counties, though the details of those charges have not yet been released. As law enforcement moved in to apprehend him, officials say Roberson attempted to flee by striking a deputy’s cruiser, prompting officers to open fire.
The TBI has launched a formal investigation into the shooting, which is standard procedure in any officer-involved incident in Tennessee. No information has been provided about how many shots were fired or how many officers discharged their weapons.
Roberson’s death has raised questions and concern among community members, particularly over the use of force in a public space where civilians were nearby.
No deputies or officers were injured during the incident. The TBI says it will review surveillance footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence to determine the full circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Additional updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
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