CPD announced a significant recovery of firearms, drugs, and cash during a search warrant executed on North Hawthorne Street

Chattanooga, TN – According to the police officials, the operation, conducted by the CPD Gun Team in collaboration with SWAT/HNT, the Narcotics Unit, K-9, the Drone Team, and Neighborhood Policing, targeted the 500 block of North Hawthorne Street in connection with several shooting investigations dating back to April.

During the search, authorities seized eight firearms, three of which were reported stolen and three outfitted with illegal machine gun conversion devices, making them fully automatic. In addition, approximately 10,000 fentanyl pills, two pounds of marijuana, and $3,400 in cash were recovered.

Seven suspects were arrested as part of the operation:

– **Denzel Roberson (20):** Possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony and possession of fentanyl for resale.
– **Jermaine Crayton (19):** Possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony and possession of fentanyl for resale.
– **Jermiah Crayton (19):** Possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony and possession of fentanyl for resale.
– **Ri’Key Hudson (18):** Possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony and possession of fentanyl for resale.
– **Keyaun Mitchell (20):** Possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony and possession of fentanyl for resale.
– **Kayla Bridges (19):** Possession of marijuana.
– **Juvenile:** Possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony and possession of fentanyl for resale.

Roberson, the Crayton brothers, Hudson, and Mitchell were transported to the Hamilton County Jail, while the juvenile suspect was taken to the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center. The investigation remains active, and additional charges or details may emerge as it progresses.

Authorities emphasized the importance of responsible gun ownership, particularly in light of the stolen firearms that were recovered during the operation. All of the stolen weapons were traced back to vehicles in the Chattanooga and East Ridge areas. CPD urged residents to securely store their firearms in safes, noting that vehicles are not secure options for gun storage, and hiding firearms in vehicles is insufficient to prevent theft.