POLICE Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Suspect Killed by Police at TN Gas Station Shot at Officer from Point Blank Range

DA Coty Wamp’s statement that accompanied the video said Heard fired “multiple shots at point blank range” at an officers before police fired on him.

by Staff
August 21, 2023
Suspect Killed by Police at TN Gas Station Shot at Officer from Point Blank Range

Chattanooga Police Officer Celtain Batterson approaches the suspect's SUV. Batterson was shot in the arm during the incident.

Credit:

Hamilton County DA's Office


On Aug. 11, 2023, Chattanooga (TN) Police made contact with a man described by authorities as a felon, drug dealer, and gang member at a Speedway gas station. The contact ended with one officer wounded, the suspect Roger Heard Jr. fatally shot, and some in the Chattanooga community demanding answers.

Ad Loading...

The Hamilton County DA’s Officer provided those answers Sunday, releasing video footage of the incident captured by the gas station’s camera. The officers were not wearing body cameras.

DA Coty Wamp’s statement that accompanied the video said Heard fired “multiple shots at point blank range” at an officers before police fired on him.

The video shows an officer, identified as Celtain Batterson making first contact with Heard while the suspect sat in his SUV with the windows rolled up. The video shows Batterson opening the door to the SUV and the suspect kicking the door open violently while firing at Batterson.    

Heard shot investigator Celtain Batterson, striking him in his right arm, according to Wamp. Batterson was later taken to a hospital.

Investigators were at the Speedway gas station after receiving credible information about Heard's location, Wamp said, and that he would be "participating in illegal drug transactions." Police observed him parked at the pump and approached him to serve the outstanding warrants and arrest him, Times Free Press reports.

"As Batterson approaches, Heard can be seen reaching for an object — what we now know to be a firearm — with his right arm," Wamp's release said.

"Batterson attempted to open the suspect's vehicle door and at that time the suspect made a kicking movement in Batterson's direction, raised his right arm and fired multiple shots at point blank range in Batterson's direction, striking him in the right arm," the release said. "Batterson instantly retreated before being able to respond with gunfire."


Heard was fatally shot when he ran from the vehicle.

Ad Loading...

More Special Units

patrolfinder - reducing crime thumbnail
SponsoredOctober 27, 2025

How One Police Department Cut Crime by 46% with Smarter Patrol Management

Discover how one police department cut crime nearly in half using smarter patrol data. This whitepaper breaks down the real-world strategy behind a 46% drop in vehicle thefts, improved officer safety, and stronger community visibility.

Read More →
Safariland header photo
Sponsoredby David ReederOctober 22, 2025

Is Your Duty Holster Duty Rated?

The first – and worst – time I had to fight to keep my gun, my holster and duty belt held up far better than my training did.

Read More →
Analysts reviewing geospatial data on multiple computer screens in a monitoring center
PatrolOctober 14, 2025

Ohio’s Statewide Drone First Responder Program to Take Flight

Over the next two years, the Ohio DFR Pilot Program will equip municipalities with advanced drone systems, deliver comprehensive training for first responders, and enable FAA-approved Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Memorial tribute for Sergeant Caleb Eisworth, Baton Rouge Police Department
Special UnitsAugust 11, 2025

Louisiana Motor Sergeant Dies from Injuries Suffered in June “Intentional” Crash

A motor officer, Sgt. Caleb Eisworth was on his way to participate in a funeral escort when he was struck by another vehicle.

Read More →
Assorted metal objects, electrical components, and colored tubes on industrial surface
Special UnitsAugust 4, 2025

Tennessee Officers Say Man Tried to Detonate IED During Arrest

Inside the bedroom officers found what they believed to be an IED. The officers evacuated the house and called for the Chattanooga Police Bomb Squad and ATF agents.

Read More →
Smiling police officer in black uniform standing in front of American flag
Special UnitsJuly 31, 2025

Florida School Officer Dies After On-Duty Medical Emergency

Sergeant Greg Graff was “preparing school leaders for the upcoming year during a safety training program at Clearwater High School,” the school district said.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Law enforcement press conference with officials at podium with sheriff's badge
Special UnitsJuly 28, 2025

Grenade is Missing from Explosion That Killed 3 LASD Deputies

ATF Special Agent in Charge Kenny Cooper said definitively that only one grenade detonated at the facility on July 18.

Read More →
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department official badge and portrait with American flag
Special UnitsJuly 21, 2025

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Names Deputies Lost in Friday Explosion

LASD said Detective Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Detective Victor Lemus, and Detective William Osborn who were all assigned to Special Enforcement Bureau’s Arson Explosives Detail were killed in the incident.

Read More →
Medical helicopter landed on grassy field near ambulance with people nearby
Special UnitsJuly 21, 2025

Maryland State Police Helicopter Rescues Victim from Overturned Boat in Chesapeake Bay

The Maryland State Police Aviation Command Trooper 7 crew, the MSP helicopter based in California, Maryland, were monitoring the county dispatch radio, overheard the dispatch, and self-launched.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Special UnitsJuly 18, 2025

3 Los Angeles County Deputies Killed in Explosion Friday Morning

At press time the names of the deputies had not been released. Sheriff Robert Luna said one had served for 19 years, another for 22 years, and another for 33 years.

Read More →