Police said several people witnessed the road rage killing of 19-year-old Caleb McKean on Friday afternoon. One got the tag number of the distinctive Mazda driven by the shooter.
That let police to 43-year-old Terry Julius Beard, who confessed and has been charged with criminal homicide.
At approximately 2:42 p.m., Chattanooga Police responded to a person shot call in the 1300 block of East Third Street. Upon arrival, police located the victim suffering from several gunshot wounds.
He was taken to a local hospital by Hamilton County EMS where he succumbed to his injuries.
Witnesses stated to police that a dark-colored, hatchback-style Mazda vehicle pulled up to the right side of the victim's vehicle and fired two shots into it. A few hours later police located the suspect vehicle at 4020 Kirkland Ave. Police conducted a traffic stop, and detained the people in the vehicle - Beard and a female.
Upon questioning, Beard stated to investigators that the shooting stemmed from a road rage incident.
He said it "started as a road rage incident before he decided to shoot the victim."
Beard said the gun was in the center console of his vehicle. A 9mm pistol was located there.
Police said video footage from RTIC and Speedway Gas Station cameras showed the Mazda fleeing the scene. It had a very distinctive clear cut peeling on the roof.
Police said Beard is a convicted felon on charges of aggravated robbery and escape.
Beard is being held on $250,000 bond.
Chattanooga Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident to call the homicide tip line at 423-643-5100 or submit a tip via the CPD Mobile App. You can remain anonymous.