Crime
34-Year-Old Demontra Collins Charged in Chattanooga Homicide After Calling 911 Following Fatal Shooting
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A Chattanooga man has been charged with murder following a fatal shooting Wednesday afternoon that police say stemmed from an earlier dispute and resulted in both individuals exchanging gunfire.
According to the Chattanooga Police Department, 34-year-old Demontra Quintez Collins has been arrested and charged with criminal homicide in connection with the death of 27-year-old Jamel Daeshun Sutton.
The incident occurred shortly after 3:30 p.m. in the 1200 block of North Hickory Street.
Responding officers located Sutton behind an apartment building suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso.
He was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Less than 15 minutes after police were dispatched to the scene, Collins reportedly called 911 and told dispatchers that he and Sutton had “just shot at each other.” Officers located Collins shortly afterward.
According to an affidavit, he retrieved the weapon he used in the incident—a “Draco”-style semi-automatic firearm—when approached by law enforcement.
During an initial interview with investigators, Collins stated that he and Sutton had been involved in an argument three days prior.
On the day of the shooting, Collins said he was driving down North Hickory Street when he saw Sutton standing outside a parked vehicle.
According to witness statements, Sutton appeared to be adjusting a child’s car seat at the time.
Collins told police that he believed Sutton was reaching into the vehicle to retrieve a firearm. In response, Collins exited his vehicle with his own firearm already in hand and approached Sutton.
The report notes that Collins claimed he did not see a weapon on Sutton until after he advanced toward him.
While investigators have not yet determined who fired first, ballistic evidence indicates that Sutton discharged a 9mm pistol twice, while Collins is believed to have fired approximately 12 rounds from his Draco-style firearm.
When detectives questioned Collins about why he chose to confront Sutton with a weapon instead of avoiding the situation by continuing to drive, Collins declined to answer further questions and ended the interview.
Collins was taken into custody later that day and is currently being held on a charge of criminal homicide.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.