Investigation ties fight at church parking lot to near-fatal neck wound
Chattanooga police say a confrontation in a church parking lot on Tunnel Boulevard escalated to a nearly fatal shooting that left a 41-year-old man with severe injuries, including a bullet lodged in his neck.
The shooting occurred around 9:43 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 7, according to an affidavit obtained by Local 3 News. Officers and emergency responders found the victim beaten and bleeding at the scene. Medical personnel later decided to leave the bullet in place because removing it was considered too risky.
Investigators identified the suspect as 31-year-old Devonta Shepherd, who police say is commonly known by the street name “Paper.” Authorities say witnesses, security camera footage and a photo lineup all contributed to that identification. Police took out warrants for Shepherd and later took him into custody after a brief foot pursuit.
“Paper.”
The phrase above is how police say the victim identified the shooter shortly before being transported by paramedics. Detectives then searched a departmental database for the nickname and matched it to Shepherd, according to the affidavit.
Video, witnesses and a photo lineup
Security camera footage from the church captured what investigators describe as a physical altercation between the two men. The footage reportedly shows the suspect swinging at and chasing the victim, who fell to the ground. The victim got to his feet about 90 seconds after the first strike, then fell forward in the parking lot. Police believe the shooting occurred from a position near a tree line after that second fall.
Officers interviewed people who knew both men and say several individuals confirmed Shepherd went by the nickname. Investigators also heard that there had been recent tension between the two. One person told police the victim had stolen a gun from Shepherd; another said Shepherd had been seen at the victim’s apartment carrying a baseball bat and looking for him.
While recovering in the hospital, the victim identified Shepherd from a photo lineup, authorities said. The victim sustained a fractured upper vertebra, significant hemorrhaging, other fractures and three displaced teeth.
Arrest and charging
Police moved to execute arrest warrants at Shepherd’s apartment just after noon on the Thursday following the shooting. Shepherd initially fled as officers approached but was later located running toward North Germantown Boulevard, where he ultimately complied with commands and was taken into custody. Detectives interviewed him before booking him into custody.
Authorities have charged the suspect with attempted murder, according to the update provided by Local 3 News.
- Victim: 41 years old; shot in the neck, multiple fractures, bullet left in place.
- Suspect: 31-year-old Devonta Shepherd, known as “Paper.”
- Location: Church parking lot on Tunnel Boulevard.
- Timing: Incident about 9:43 p.m. Monday, arrest just after noon Thursday.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| ~9:43 p.m., Sept. 7 | Fight and shooting at church parking lot on Tunnel Boulevard |
| Shortly after | Victim treated by first responders; identified suspect as “Paper” |
| Hospitalization | Victim identified Shepherd in a photo lineup; medical team left bullet in neck |
| Just after noon, following Thursday | Officers located and arrested Shepherd after he briefly fled |
Police said they continue to investigate the events that led up to the shooting and have interviewed multiple witnesses. The affidavit indicates friction between the two men in the days prior to the incident, but investigators have not publicly detailed any motive beyond those reported tensions.
The case has raised questions in the neighborhood about violence near places of worship and public safety on Tunnel Boulevard. City leaders and law enforcement officials have repeatedly urged residents to report threats or escalating disputes to police before they turn violent.
As the legal process moves forward, charges of attempted murder carry significant penalties if proven. Local authorities have not released further information about court dates or the status of the investigation beyond the arrest and the details in the affidavit.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Chattanooga police to assist with the ongoing investigation.
