East Ridge Police responded on Monday to an initial call of a traffic crash in the 400 block of Bluebird Circle in Harris Hills. On arrival, officers located a pickup truck, still running, up against a sedan. The crash occurred at the top of the driveway and appeared to be deliberate.
Police also located the driver of the truck lying beside the truck bleeding from the head, deceased. A handgun was found in close proximity to the body.
No foul play is suspected, but the investigation is ongoing.
He was identified as Todd Thomas Royval, 46, of Chattanooga. He was formerly in charge of the Chattanooga Police Department's Street Crimes Unit.
Chattanooga Police Chief Fred Fletcher said, "Last night the world lost a very special person, a brother and friend. Monday night retired Chattanooga Police Department Lieutenant Todd Royval passed away.
"Lt. Royval was loved by family and friends, respected by coworkers, and feared by bad guys.
"Lt. Royval was a 20-year veteran of the Chattanooga Police Department, retiring in January of 2015. He was a man who absolutely loved being a cop, mentoring other officers and serving the community. In 2007, Lt. Royval was instrumental in starting CPD’s Crime Suppression Unit. He later played a key role in the Department’s initial implementation of Focused Deterrence principles through the Violence Reduction Initiative. His work throughout his tenure at CPD is greatly appreciated by me, my staff, Mayor Berke, and the community.
"CPD chaplains stand ready to assist anyone who needs spiritual support in this difficult time. Our Victim Services Unit will be coordinating additional support for those of us who need it.
"This is going to be a very difficult time for both the Royval and Chattanooga Police families. Please keep the entire Royval family in your thoughts and prayers and respect their privacy as they continue to cope with the loss of their beloved husband, father, son, and brother."