The Chattanooga Police Department reported that five people arrived at local area hospitals overnight via personal vehicles, suffering from a range of gunshot wounds. Two of the gunshot victims died.
The people killed were identified as Alex V. Freeman III, 28, and Marcus Lee Cal, 28.
The victims arrived at local hospitals suffering from a variety of injuries.
Where or why the victims were injured is being investigated and more information will be released once it becomes available.
Police said all the shootings appeared to be gang-related.
The first outbreak of gunfire was in the 1000 block of Jarvis Avenue. Cal, 28, was gunned down here. Jarvis Avenue is just off Tunnel Boulevard.
Upon arrival officers found that there were three gunshot victims.
Cal, transported by personal vehicle to a local hospital , had suffered fatal gunshot wounds to the arm and lower abdomen.
Tony T. Jackson, Jr. , 25, was transported by personal vehicle to a local hospital suffering from gunshot wounds to his arm and leg.
Ivan Hill, Jr., 25, was transported by personal vehicle to a local hospital suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper thigh.
Hill's and Jackson’s injuries are non-life-threatening.
Witnesses reported that two vehicles approached the group of people outside and the occupants of both vehicles proceeded to shoot numerous rounds into the group, hitting Cal, Hill and Jackson. No other suspect information was provided to investigators.
A short time later there was a second shooting in the 1000 block of Woodmore Lane that was apparently an outgrowth of the Jarvis Avenue gun battle. Freeman, 28, was killed in an exchange of shots. Woodmore Lane runs between Shawhan Road and Midland Pike.
Freeman suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and later passed at a local hospital due to his injury.
Martin L. Jackson, 26, suffered a non-life threatening gunshot wound to the right arm.
Witnesses reported they initially thought fireworks were still being shot off, but began running when they realized it was gunfire. The witnesses reported multiple rounds came from the passenger side of a black four-door Sedan traveling south on Woodmore Lane. None of the witnesses could provide a description of the suspect/s involved.
That brings the total to 10 people shot in just a three-day period in Chattanooga. And a woman was found dead at her apartment at College Hill Courts after suffering trauma.
Police Chief Fred Fletcher said he has called upon other agencies to help his department, which has been called on to investigate a multitude of shootings.
He said some of those who were shot were cooperative, while others were not. He said detectives were following up on a number of leads and interviewing many witnesses.
Chief Fletcher said the gang warfare was sparked by "a myriad of reasons - often very trivial. Like a music video, being disrespected or over the affections of a girl. It's not for any significant reason like the men and women who are defending our country. That's what makes it so tragic."
Investigators are continuing to follow all leads. Chattanooga Police ask anyone with information regarding these incidents to call 423-698-2525.
Cal has an extensive criminal record, including gun, drug, and assault charges.