TBI Investigating Fatal Chattanooga Police Shooting of Billy Joe Williams
TBI agents are investigating after a Chattanooga police officer fatally shot Billy Joe Williams during a Saturday night disturbance call on East 27th Street Court.
CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has initiated an independent investigation into a deadly officer-involved shooting that occurred Saturday night in Chattanooga, officials announced Sunday.
Billy Joe Williams, 48, was fatally shot by a Chattanooga police officer just after 9:30 p.m. on May 3 in the 2200 block of East 27th Street Court. Williams, born September 3, 1977, was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
Officers Responded to Disturbance Call
The incident began when Chattanooga Police Department officers responded to a disturbance call at the East 27th Street Court location. For reasons still under investigation, a Chattanooga police officer discharged his weapon, striking Williams.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident, according to TBI officials.
Investigation Process Underway
The investigation was requested by 11th Judicial District Attorney General Coty Wamp, who will review the TBI’s findings upon completion. TBI special agents are working to determine the sequence of events that led to the shooting.
The investigation includes collecting evidence from the scene and conducting interviews with witnesses and involved parties. The TBI serves as a fact-finding agency in these cases and does not determine whether an officer’s actions were justified.
“TBI agents are working to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews,” the agency stated. “Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the District Attorney General for her further review and consideration.”
Officer Identity Not Released
The TBI does not identify officers involved in these types of incidents and refers questions about officer identification to the respective police department. The Chattanooga Police Department will determine whether to release the officer’s name.
The decision on whether the shooting was justified ultimately rests with District Attorney General Wamp, who requested the TBI’s involvement in the case.
This marks another officer-involved shooting under TBI investigation as the agency continues to handle such cases across Tennessee at the request of local prosecutors.
Updates on the investigation will be posted on the TBI’s website as they become available. The timeline for completing the investigation has not been announced.
