Detectives with the Chattanooga Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit have arrested Samuel Lemorris Ervin, 22, for shooting at Officer James Klein last Saturday in the 4100 block of Fagan Street. Ervin, who has been charged with aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, and unlawful possession of a weapon, said he was in a "shootout" and was not aiming at the officer.
Ervin said he was at 41st and Fagan when three males with guns approached him and began firing in his direction. He said he started shooting back with a 45 caliber semi-automatic handgun he had on him. He said he fired 4-5 times.
Ervin, who is a self-proclaimed member of the Bounty Hunter Blood street gang, said just prior to the shooting he noticed a police car nearby.
A 45 caliber projectile was removed from the rear of the patrol vehicle.
Police also located four spent 7.62 shell casings at the steps of 4009B Fagan St. Those rounds would likely have been fired from an assault-type weapon.
Police said Officer Klien was dispatched to a disorder in the 5200 block of Fagan St. He was traveling south on Fagan when he heard 5-6 shots. Upon reaching the end of Fagan Street, his police cruiser's engine began to malfunction. He stopped at 300 Workman Road and found that his patrol car appeared to have a bullet hole in the gas tank and was leaking gasoline.
He also found three bullet holes in the rear of the vehicle and one that grazed the hood.
Officers said they received information that Ervin was involved in the shooting. They contacted him at 4401B Fagan St and he agreed to give a statement.
Ervin was also arrested on an outstanding warrant for violation of state probation/parole. Ervin pleaded guilty to robbery in 2010 and was given a three-year prison sentence.
The incident came after another patrol officer was shot multiple times six days ago when responding to a reported disorder at East Lake Courts.
There were three "targeted" shootings in Chattanooga in which three different individuals were hit on Thursday night, then three more people were shot on Saturday night.