CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Chattanooga Police Department has arrested
28-year-old Tezdris Russell in connection with an attempted murder and
robbery that occurred in the 700 block of East MLK Blvd. on April 22.
At approximately 1:19 a.m. on April 22, 2025, CPD officers responded to a
report of an active assault in the 700 block of East MLK Blvd. Upon
arrival, officers located a 65-year-old male victim with life-threatening
injuries. Hamilton County EMS responded to the scene and transported the
victim to a local hospital.
CPD's Homicide Unit was assigned to lead the investigation. Investigators
determined that the victim had been severely beaten and robbed by a male
suspect. Within one week, detectives identified Tezdris Russell as the
suspect and obtained warrants for his arrest on charges of Attempted First
Degree Murder and Aggravated Robbery.
On May 6, members of CPD's Fugitive Unit, the ATF, and U.S. Marshals
Service located and arrested Russell. He was taken to the Hamilton County
Jail and Detention Center.
This information is preliminary and is subject to change as the
investigation continues.
The charges and allegations referenced in this release are merely
accusations of criminal conduct and not evidence. A defendant is presumed
innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and
convicted through due process of law.
Suspect:
Tezdris Lamar Russell
DOB:
10/17/1996
Charges:
Attempted First Degree Murder
Aggravated Robbery