Witnesses say at least one Chattanooga shooting suspect fired from a silver Ford Mustang using a high-powered rifle.
[Update] The identity of the Chattanooga shooter has been released.
They told police that a man pulled into the parking lot of a U.S. military recruitment center on Aminicola Highway but then sped away to Bradley County, where another recruiting center is located at a mall. It is believed the shooter shot at least four U.S. Marines and one police officer, and witnesses claim to have seen a total of three ambulances, two with police escorts, going to Erlanger Hospital. The latest reports also say the Chattanooga shooting suspect is dead.
In a related report by the Inquisitr , Dylann Storm Roof’s charges include nine counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder.
The Chattanooga shootings have shut down large parts of the Tennessee city, but so far police say there is no indication that the events are part of a terrorist attack. Marilyn Hutcheson, who works across the street from the U.S. Naval Reserve building on Amnicola Highway, says she heard a barrage of gunfire. The gunfire continued as the entire area was put on lockdown.
“I couldn’t even begin to tell you how many,” she said. “It was rapid fire, like pow pow pow pow pow, so quickly. The next thing I knew, there were police cars coming from every direction. We’re apprehensive. Not knowing what transpired, if it was a grievance or terroristic related, we just don’t know.”
Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke earlier said it is possible the Chattanooga shooting suspect is down.
“This is a very, very terrible situation,” he said. “I’m very concerned about what’s going on. We need to figure out how to handle it.”
Horrific incident in our community. We will release details as they are confirmed. Prayers to all those affected
— Andy Berke (@AndyBerke) July 16, 2015
So far, reports from the Associated Press claim the Chattanooga shooting victims include “at least two Marines and a police officer have been shot in Chattanooga, Tennessee. No confirmed word yet on their conditions.” Another early report from CBS claims the Chattanooga shooting suspect is dead and that only two U.S. Marines were shot .
[Update] Reports now say all four U.S. marines were killed in the attack and the police officer is currently in surgery for the leg wound but needs blood.
JUST IN: Shooter in Chattanooga is dead, multiple law enforcement sources tell CBS News http://t.co/jcyTHM6Z8V
— CBS News (@CBSNews) July 16, 2015
CBS-TV Affiliate WDEF quoting Chattanooga police official, “it’s no longer an active shooter situation.”
— Charlie Kaye (@CharlieKayeCBS) July 16, 2015
Police have not yet identified the Chattanooga shooting suspect’s name although we will update this report once it is known.
[Image via Community Safety Institute]