Chattanooga, TN – Authorities with the Chattanooga Police Department have arrested 28-year-old Tezdris Russell in connection with the brutal assault and robbery of a 65-year-old man in the early hours of April 22, 2025.
According to a CPD release, officers were dispatched around 1:19 a.m. to the 700 block of East MLK Boulevard following a report of an active assault. Upon arrival, they found the elderly male victim suffering from life-threatening injuries consistent with a violent physical attack. He was immediately transported to a local hospital by Hamilton County EMS.
The Chattanooga Police Department’s Homicide Unit took over the case and launched a full investigation. Detectives determined that the victim had been both severely beaten and robbed during the incident. Within days, investigators identified Russell as the suspect.
By May 6, CPD’s Fugitive Unit, in coordination with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Marshals Service, located and apprehended Russell. He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center.
Russell is currently facing charges of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated robbery. As the investigation remains ongoing, police have stated that the current details are preliminary and may be subject to change.
Officials also emphasized that the charges against Russell are allegations at this stage. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law through due process.
The identity of the victim has not been released. No further details regarding the motive or additional suspects, if any, have been made public. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the Chattanooga Police Department.