A dramatic police chase on Sunday evening resulted in the closure of northbound lanes on I-75 in Ooltewah, leaving a kidnapping suspect dead and two Hamilton County deputies injured after being shot, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
The pursuit originated in Catoosa County, prompted by a call to the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office reporting an armed suspect, identified as Tyler Lebron Roberts, who had ties to Walker County. Roberts reportedly kidnapped an 18-month-old child. The chase continued northbound on I-75 until Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies successfully disabled the suspect’s vehicle using a spike strip and strategically boxed it in.

Immediately following the immobilization of the suspect’s vehicle, shots were exchanged between the suspect and deputies, resulting in the suspect’s demise. Two Hamilton County deputies sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the confrontation and were promptly transported to local hospitals for treatment.
The abducted 18-month-old child did not suffer serious injuries and was taken to a local hospital for precautionary measures.
Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp has requested the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to conduct an inquiry into the incident, as is the protocol for officer-involved shootings.
With a history of multiple arrests, Roberts faced charges including making harassing phone calls, aggravated assault, damage to property, and domestic assault and battery, according to documents from the Walker County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation into the incident remains active and ongoing. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation will forward their findings to Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp for review.