A Tennessee man was arrested after allegedly opening fire on a family during a snowy day of sledding, turning the day into a chaotic one.#Tennessee #News #ChattanoogaTN #Crime
When a Tennessee man allegedly opened fire on a family sledding on his property, a winter outing in Chattanooga, Tennessee, took a terrible turn, as parents hurried to protect their kids.
Authorities Respond to Reports of Gunfire
According to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened on Friday at 11:30 a.m. in the 6300 block of Stoney River Drive, some 20 miles northeast of Chattanooga. Reports of a man shooting at a family sledding in the area prompted deputies to respond to the scene.
Deputies discovered that a couple had taken their four kids sledding down a hill on their street when they arrived. The family apparently heard multiple gunshots from a nearby house on Birchwood Pike while they were sledding.
Just a few steps from where her one-year-old son was playing, the mother reported to deputies that she witnessed snow kick up from the ground. The parents shouted for the man to cease shooting in alarm. The man allegedly replied that the family was on his land. The parents hurriedly collected their kids and went back to their house to contact the police.
Witness Accounts and Search Warrant Execution
Law authorities received pictures of the suspect—later identified as Benjamin Cook—from neighbors. Cook was shown in the photos carrying a gun through the woods while dressed in particular outfits. Deputies were able to secure a search warrant for Cook’s home based on this evidence.
Several firearms were discovered by the authorities during the search. According to the sheriff’s office, preliminary investigations verified that the family was not on Cook’s land at the time of the claimed shooting.
Arrest and Charges
After being arrested, Cook was accused with six charges of aggravated assault. Authorities stated that based on the results of the continuing investigation, more charges might be brought.
The family was shocked by the incident, but no injuries were recorded. Local authorities are still looking into the matter and determining whether more legal action is required.
RELATED TOPICS: Tennessee Crime
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