A man wanted on felony charges in Walker County, was shot and killed by law enforcement Monday night after ramming a patrol car in a Chattanooga McDonald’s drive-thru, according to authorities.
The suspect, 38-year-old Erick Charles Roberson, was also wanted in Hamilton and Bradley counties, where he faced additional felony warrants. Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson confirmed Roberson had been wanted there on charges of felony fleeing and attempting to elude, as well as a misdemeanor charge for failing to stop at a stop sign.
Around 10 p.m., an automatic license plate reader alerted deputies to Roberson’s vehicle in Chattanooga. Hamilton County deputies, along with Chattanooga Police officers, located the vehicle pulling into the Circle K–McDonald’s parking lot on Highway 58. Law enforcement attempted a coordinated takedown behind the building, according to a statement from Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett.
“The suspect immediately recognized what was happening and began to use his vehicle as a weapon, ramming one of my vehicles,” Garrett said at the scene. In response to the threat, multiple deputies and officers opened fire.
Roberson was struck and transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), which is now leading the investigation.
Bradley County officials confirmed Roberson also had an active no-bond warrant for a felony probation violation related to theft of property.
Sheriff Garrett emphasized that no officers were injured in the incident.
“Unfortunately, this suspect chose to use a vehicle as a weapon against law enforcement,” Garrett said. “What other result do you expect to happen, but what happened tonight. I am thankful that our deputies and officers are okay.”
No other injuries were reported. The TBI investigation is ongoing.
PHOTO COURTESY WTVC-TV
