On the night of July 21, 2025, 38-year-old Erick Charles Roberson was fatally shot by Chattanooga Police Department officers and Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office deputies in the parking lot of a McDonald’s and Circle K on Highway 58 in Chattanooga following an attempted arrest.

The incident began when an automatic license plate reader alerted deputies to a vehicle associated with Roberson, who had multiple outstanding warrants in Hamilton, Bradley, and Walker counties, including felony charges for theft of property and fleeing/eluding. According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Roberson attempted to flee by ramming his vehicle into patrol cars that had surrounded him, prompting officers to open fire.

Roberson was struck, transported to a hospital, and later died from his injuries. No other injuries were reported. The TBI is investigating the incident, as requested by Hamilton County District Attorney.

The involved officers and deputies have been placed on administrative leave, and further details about Roberson’s criminal history and the officers involved are still being gathered.