TBI Wraps Up Investigation into Fatal Police Shooting at Chattanooga Gas Station
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – An extensive investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) into the fatal shooting of a man at a Chattanooga gas station last year has now concluded. In August 2023, Roger Heard, Jr. lost his life in a police shooting incident. Officers were attempting to serve an arrest warrant on him at the time.
Heard became the focus of national attention and stirred conversations surrounding police use of force after his untimely death. The case further agitated tensions and left the Chattanooga community looking for answers.
Officers Cleared of Charges
After a thorough examination of the shooting event, Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp announced that the involved officers would not face charges. The outcome has, nonetheless, sparked further debates and intense questioning, especially in light of fresh details and visuals from the scene released by TBI.
These new images and data reveal aspects of the tragic event not previously disclosed to the public. As per these details, Officer Celtain Batterson was one of the three officers who engaged Heard at the scene and reportedly suffered injuries during the incident.
Body Cam Footage: A Glimpse into the Tragic Shooting
One particular video from the TBI report captures the moment an officer alights from his patrol car and immediately fires at Heard. The video shows Heard falling to the ground, after which the officer, along with others on the scene, provide first aid to the fallen and to the injured Batterson.
Last year, Wamp confirmed that the officers had approached Heard’s vehicle in unmarked cars while wearing their badges. That’s when Heard reportedly started firing, hitting one officer. An autopsy later revealed that Heard was shot a total of 14 times.
Investigative Interviews and Eyewitness Accounts
The TBI report also includes transcripts of interviews with the officers directly involved and eyewitnesses who were present during the shooting. These testimonies and reports contribute significantly towards constructing a vivid picture of the events that unfolded that fateful day.
Throughout the investigation and the legal process, Heard’s parents have maintained a persistent pursuit for the truth, which has underscored the importance of thorough and careful investigation of such incidents. However, as this case reaches its legal conclusion, there remains a lingering sense of unfulfilled justice and unanswered questions surrounding the circumstances of the shooting.
