TBI Investigating Fatal Police Shooting Of Man With A Knife

  • Tuesday, December 24, 2024

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has been called in to investigate an incident on Tuesday when Chattanooga Police fatally shot a man they said was wielding a knife.

The TBI said at approximately 12:18 p.m., officers with the Chattanooga Police Department responded to a report of a man armed with a knife in the 7800 block of East Brainerd Road.

Preliminary information indicates that when officers attempted to make contact with the man, he fled into a nearby wooded area.  Officers gave verbal commands for Roberto Carlos Rodriguez Zayas, 38, to drop the weapon, but, for reasons still under investigation, the situation escalated, resulting in at least two officers firing upon Zayas. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. No law enforcement officers were hurt in the incident.

TBI agents said they are working to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the district attorney general for her further review and consideration.

Officials said the TBI acts solely as fact-finders in its cases and does not determine whether an officer’s actions were justified in these types of matters. That decision rests with the District Attorney General requesting TBI’s involvement. 

The TBI does not identify the officers involved in these types of incidents and instead refers questions of that nature to the respective department to answer as it sees fit.

Police first encountered the man at the Waffle House on East Brainerd Road.

Officers said he ran down the road and went into the wooded area.

Breaking News
Updated City Tree Ordinance Allows "Notable Trees" To Come Off The List At Owner's Request
  • 4/1/2025

An amended version of the city's updated tree ordinance allows owners of "Notable Trees" to have them taken off the list by notifying the city forester. Chris Anderson of the mayor's office, ... more

Latest Hamilton County Arrest Report
  • 4/1/2025

Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report. (If your case is dismissed, just email us your name and date we ran it and we will promptly take off. Email to news@chattanoogan.com ) BELL,TERRY ... more

Tennessee Adds Saturday REAL ID Appointments Ahead Of Federal Implementation Date
  • 3/31/2025

With the federal REAL ID travel requirement taking effect on May 7, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security will open 19 Driver Services Centers across the state on Saturday ... more