Chattanooga Residents Reassured: No Venezuelan Gang Activity Found in Hamilton County
Good news for the folks in Chattanooga! There’s been a lot of chatter recently about potential Venezuelan gang activity in the area, prompting many of you to voice your concerns. Well, we have some reassuring updates straight from local officials. Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett and Chattanooga Police Chief have come forward with important information to ease the worries of residents.
No Active Investigations
Sheriff Garrett stated, “Many of you have expressed concerns about recent information from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) regarding Venezuelan gang activity in our state, most importantly in Hamilton County. Currently, there is no active investigation into this gang or its members operating or residing in Hamilton County or being incarcerated in our jail at this time.”
Yes, you heard it right! As of now, there are no verified instances of the Venezuelan gang, dubbed Tren de Aragua, spotted in or around our beautiful Hamilton County. This is certainly a relief for everyone who might have been worried about the safety of our neighborhoods.
Staying Vigilant Together
Although there’s no ongoing threat, Sheriff Garrett urges residents to remain vigilant. “If you see something suspicious, report it. Together, we can prevent criminal networks like this gang from taking root in our community.” He emphasizes the commitment of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office to keep our community safe and secure.
This is a sentiment echoed by Chief of Police. He reiterated the importance of community involvement, stating, “As your chief, your safety is of the utmost importance, and we will not tolerate any form of criminal activity or threats to your safety.” The CPD is working closely with the Sheriff’s office, conducting thorough surveillance to ensure that no untoward activities go unnoticed.
Your Safety Is Our Priority
The reassurance doesn’t stop there. Both Sheriff Garrett and the Chief of Police emphasized their collaboration with local, state, and federal partners to ensure that Hamilton County is not a playground for criminals. “Each day, your sheriff’s office works tirelessly alongside our partners to identify, arrest, and prosecute violators who threaten public safety,” Sheriff Garrett said confidently. It’s clear that our local law enforcement is on the ball and dedicated to keeping our streets safe.
In short, Chattanooga, you can rest easy! As of now, there are no confirmed members of Tren de Aragua in the city, nor any ongoing investigations related to their activities. Your local authorities are working hard to identify and deter any potential threats, thus keeping you and your family secure.
A Community Effort
Chief of Police reminded everyone to stay alert in their daily lives. The mantra “if you see something, say something” becomes ever more essential during these times. Our police and sheriff’s department can’t do it alone; it truly takes a village to maintain public safety.
In addition to the focus on gang activity, we should all be aware of other ongoing criminal investigations in the area. Recent reports include efforts by TBI special agents working closely with the Internet Crimes Against Children squad, which has led to multiple arrests due to serious allegations. Keeping up with community efforts plays a significant role in ensuring that all residents of Hamilton County can feel safe.
If you’ve encountered any issues, remember that if your case has been dismissed, all you need to do is email to ensure it’s promptly removed from any public listings.
In summary, while it’s always good to stay informed and vigilant, current reports show that Hamilton County is free from Venezuelan gang activity. Together, let’s continue to support our local law enforcement and keep our community strong!
Stay safe, Chattanooga!
