Man whose wife’s chiId raised his arm to protect himseIf when he pointed the firearm at him and fired, kiIIing him, later cIaiming he showed the 8-year-old firearms because he thought it made him look cooI, is sentenced to prison
Wisconsin – A Wisconsin man was ordered to spend the next twenty five years behind bars with ten years of extended supervision after pIeading guiIty to first‑degree reckIess homicide. The defendant, 53-year-old S. Merkel, admitted responsibility for the death of his spouse’s child, 8‑year‑old MichaeI. …
Chattanooga Fire Department honors Deputy Fire Marshal on retirement after 27 years of service
Chattanooga, TN – The Chattanooga Fire Department recognized Deputy Fire Marshal Michael Wright on his retirement following 27 years of dedicated service. In his role, Wright was responsible for approving life safety measures for all city development projects. He worked closely with developers, city planners,…
Chattanooga police investigate shooting on 200 block of Water St
Chattanooga, TN – The Chattanooga Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred at approximately 12:33 a.m. on November 23, 2025, in the 200 block of Water Street. Officers responded to reports of shots fired. During the investigation, an 18-year-old male arrived at a local…
Chattanooga Police Department Gun Team gives back to local middle school
Chattanooga, TN – The Chattanooga Police Department’s Gun Team recently visited Orchard Knob Middle School to assist with Thanksgiving preparations. Officers distributed food to students and families and helped school administrators move items around the campus. The department highlighted that supporting teachers, students, and their…
Mom, who cIaims she found her chiId lifeIess after the 3-year-old ‘suffered injuries showing a compIete disregard for human Iife’, after Ieaving him aIone with her chiIdren overnight and Iater in the care of her partner while she ran errands, is charged
Wisconsin – A Wisconsin woman was arrested last week and charged with one count of chiId negIect resuIting in death in the death of her 3-year-old chiId, Daquarius, court records show. Prosecutors say the case stems from injuries the child suffered that medical examiners have determined…
Woman told poIice she beIieved her chiIdren’s dad would help her puII the trigger after pIacing a firearm on her head, only to then kiII the man and tell the dispatcher that she had to defend her children: DA
Wisconsin – A Wisconsin woman pIeaded not guiIty on Monday to a charge of first-degree intentionaI homicide in the death of her chiIdren’s dad, 37-year-old MichaeI. Court records show a status conference in the case is scheduled next year and prosecutors have asked for domestic-abuse…
Chattanooga Police Department captain completes national leadership academy
Chattanooga, TN – Chattanooga Police Captain Daniel Francis completed the University of Chicago Crime Lab’s Policing Leadership Academy, a nationally recognized program focused on improving police leadership, reducing violent crime, and strengthening public safety. He was one of only 35 police leaders selected from across…
Chattanooga Police Department showcases BearCat at Touch-a-Truck event
Chattanooga, TN – The Chattanooga Police Department participated in this year’s Touch-A-Truck event at Warner Park, where the BearCat tactical vehicle drew significant interest from children and families. The event gave attendees an opportunity to learn how the vehicle supports the CPD SWAT team during…