A quiet Saturday afternoon at Chattanooga’s bustling Hamilton Place Mall was shattered when an 18-year-old pulled a gun during a dispute inside the Dicks Sporting Goods section — shooting himself and prompting a full mall lockdown. Local police are now pressing charges and probing the events that led to the chaotic scene.
Fight Escalates to Gunfire
According to police statements, the incident began inside the store around 2:45 p.m. when the teen became involved in an argument with a group of individuals. Surveillance footage showed him exiting the store, turning back to confront them, and then firing three rounds, one of which struck his foot at the entrance. Investigators found spent shell casings matching the weapon.
Weapon Found, Mall Locked Down
Officers traced a blood trail from inside the store to the parking lot, where they discovered a stolen Glock 27 beneath a parked vehicle near the entrance. In response, the mall was placed under lockdown while homicide and gun units processed the crime scene. The teen later arrived at a local hospital for treatment and was subsequently taken into custody.
Charges and Ongoing Investigation
The teen is now facing multiple charges, including reckless endangerment, felony theft of a firearm, unlawful gun possession in a posted gun-free zone, and inciting a riot. Authorities say additional charges may be filed against others involved.
