CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) arrested
34-year-old Demontra Collins in relation to the North Hickory Street
homicide that occurred on May 14.
On May 14, 2025, at 3:47 p.m., CPD responded to a person shot call in the
1200 block of North Hickory Street. When the officers arrived at the
scene, they found a 27-year-old man with life-threatening injuries. The
officers immediately began life-saving measures until medical personnel
arrived.
Chattanooga Fire and Hamilton County EMS responded to the scene. EMS
transported him to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.
CPD's Homicide Unit responded to conduct the investigation and the Crime
Scene Unit responded to process the crime scene.
The preliminary investigation shows the victim was assisting with buckling
a child's car seat into the back seat of a vehicle. The suspect, Demontra
Collins, was driving by at that time and saw the victim. Collins stopped
his vehicle, got out with a firearm and approached the victim. At some
point, it appears the suspect and victim exchanged gunfire. The suspect
left the scene and called police from another location to report the
shooting.
The Homicide Unit obtained arrest warrants charging Demontra Collins with
Criminal Homicide. He was arrested and transported to the Hamilton County
Jail and Detention Center.
This information is preliminary and is subject to change as the
investigation continues. Chattanooga Police ask anyone with
information regarding this incident to call 423-698-2525.
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.