Kidnapping Suspect Killed during Incident

UPDATE: According to the TBI, 31-year-old Tyler L. Roberts was the suspect shot and killed by deputies. 

The HCSO released the names of the deputies who have been placed on administrative leave after Sunday night’s shooting are as follows: Deputy Jorge Araiza, Deputy Alfred Girardot, Deputy Andrew Pierson, Deputy Jake Thomas.

Deputy Girardot was shot in the face and Deputy Thomas was shot in the arm and hand during Sunday night’s Deputy Involved Shooting. Both deputies were treated and released.

“After being with my deputies Sunday night both at the scene and at the hospital, it is apparent it is by God’s grace these two deputies are alive and were not more seriously injured despite being shot during this tragic incident,” said Sheriff Austin Garrett. “I am also incredibly grateful the small child involved in this incident was not seriously harmed.

“These four deputies, acting with courage and without hesitation, saved the life of this young child and had they not intervened and stopped this suspect, there is no telling how this situation may have ended. These deputies are heroes – Plain and simple. I am humbled and proud to serve alongside them and all the brave men and women of the HCSO.” 

One man has been killed and two deputies wounded after exchanging gunfire following a pursuit of a kidnapping suspect.

According to a Hamilton Count Sheriff’s Office press release, on Sunday evening, deputies were involved in a pursuit that began in Catoosa County involving the kidnapping of an 18-month-old child and an armed suspect. The call originated with the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office.

The pursuit ended after HCSO deputies were able to successfully spike strip and box the vehicle in near the I-75 Ooltewah Exit.

Immediately following this maneuver shots were exchanged between the suspect and deputies. The suspect is deceased, and two Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were shot in the exchange of gunfire. Both deputies, whose names are not being released, were transported by HCEMS to a local hospital with what appear to be non-life-threatening injuries. The18-month-old child  involved in the incident did not receive any serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for medical review.

“While it is early in the investigative phase of this incident, it is apparent this individual was intent on getting away from authorities and clearly didn’t care who he endangered in the process,” said Sheriff Austin Garrett. “I am grateful the child is safe, and our deputies only sustained non-life-threatening injuries. This incident highlights the incredible dangers our personnel face each day while performing their duties. I am honored to serve alongside the brave men and women of the HCSO as they protect and serve our community.”

Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp has directed the TBI to conduct the investigation into the deputy-involved shooting. 

Northbound I-75 was temporarily closed to facilitate an investigation of the incident.