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CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (February 13, 2026) – Mayor Tim Kelly has selected Brian Smith as interim administrator of the Department of Parks & Outdoors.

Smith currently serves as the communications director and interim deputy administrator and has worked for the city for the past three years.

He replaces April Furth, who will depart as administrator on February 20. Furth accepted the position of Deputy County Manager of Clark County, Washington.

A homeless man is accused of arson after investigators say he walked into a busy Chattanooga Walmart and set merchandise on fire. Cody Huckabee, 31, is facing several charges, including Aggravated Arson, Burglary, Reckless Endangerment and Disorderly Conduct. As a result, he is also facing probation violations on charges of aggravated assault and theft of property.

On September 25, 2025 at 7:57 p.m., Chattanooga Police responded to a single vehicle crash in the 300 block of Spring Road. The collision resulted in the fatality of the 60-year-old female passenger.

James Bernard has been arrested in connection with the fatal single
vehicle crash that occurred September 25, 2025, on the 300 block of Spring
Creek Road, which resulted in the death of Paula Soens.

Bernard (DOB: 04/26/1972) was taken into custody in the Atlanta area
earlier today on outstanding warrants for Vehicular Homicide, DUI, and
related charges. CPD’s Fugitive Unit, working with the U.S. Marshals
Service, located and arrested him.

Please be advised that a crane lift operation is scheduled to take place at the base of the Market Street Bridge on Saturday, February 14, 2026. This operation is essential for the replacement of the cooling towers at the Tennessee Aquarium building.

A Hixson couple has been transported to the hospital after managing to escape their burning home early Wednesday morning. At 2:43 AM, Blue Shift companies were dispatched to the 4800 block of Sarasota Drive after 911 received panicked reports from the residents as they tried to get out. On the scene, Ladder 19 and Squad 19 found the single-story structure engulfed in flames. They learned that both occupants were outside, but they were both in need of medical assistance. The patients were rushed to the hospital by HCEMS with smoke inhalation.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.  –  The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) is aware of recent reporting and public discussion regarding arrests and immigration status in Hamilton County. We want to clarify and correct CPD arrest practices and data clearly, directly, and factually.

A suspect has been arrested in connection with a
non-fatal shooting that occurred on January 31, 2026 in the 1700 block of
Market Street.

The Walker County Sheriff’s Office assisted Chattanooga Police with the
arrest of Adrien Cox (DOB: 11/11/2005). He is charged with Aggravated
Assault and is currently in custody at the Walker County Jail.

The Chattanooga Police Department appreciates the support and cooperation

The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) has
arrested a suspect in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on January 18,
2026 in the 1900 block of Market Street.

The CPD Fugitive Unit along with the Smoky Mountain Task Force and U.S.
Marshals Service located and arrested Joseph Green (DOB: 06/09/2006). He is
charged with Attempted Murder, Possession of a Firearm during the
Commission of a Felony, and Reckless Endangerment. Green is in custody at
the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center.

A frantic call to 911 alerted Chattanooga firefighters to a large house
fire in Lookout Valley Friday morning. Red Shift companies were dispatched
to the 300 block of Azalea Dale Drive at 4:48 AM on 2/6/26. All of the
occupants managed to safely escape the burning home. Engine 3 confirmed a
working residential structure fire on arrival and with the help of other
responding crews, they launched defensive operations due to heavy fire