19-year-old arrested, charged with aggravated assault, vandalism in connection with shots fired incident
Chattanooga, TN – The Chattanooga Police Department has arrested a 19-year-old suspect in connection with a shots fired incident that caused widespread property damage in late April on Dodds Avenue.
According to a statement released by CPD, the gunfire broke out on April 27, 2025, in the 2300 block of Dodds Avenue, where multiple rounds struck parked vehicles and nearby buildings. No injuries were reported, but the scene left the community shaken and led to an extensive investigation.
Detectives with the CPD Gun Team identified a Black Chrysler 300 as a vehicle possibly linked to the shooting. That lead proved critical.
On May 10, a CPD officer conducted a traffic stop on a car matching the description. The driver attempted to flee but crashed shortly after. All three occupants tried to escape on foot but were quickly apprehended by officers.
During a search of the area, police recovered two firearms, one of which was later determined to have been used in the Dodds Avenue shooting. Officers also recovered identification belonging to the suspected driver.
The suspect, identified as Roberto Mejia-Chalate, was charged with three counts of aggravated assault, two counts of vandalism, and reckless endangerment. At the time of the arrest, Mejia-Chalate was already in custody at the Hamilton County Jail on unrelated charges.
The Chattanooga Police Department emphasized its continued efforts to reduce gun violence through targeted investigations and swift enforcement.