Police chief: "Gangs do not run the city of Chattanooga"
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. --Police in Chattanooga say they are taking steps to stop a rash of gang violence over the last few days.
Chattanooga Police Chief Fred Fletcher told media outlets on Tuesday that the department is sending more officers to at-risk areas, pulling manpower from the traffic division, K9, street crimes and command staff.
The move was announced as an effort to deal with nine shootings that had occurred in the southeast Tennessee city since Saturday. Police say at least six were gang-related. A 17-year-old boy was killed.
"This is perhaps the most violent four days this city has experienced since I've been here," said Fletcher, who became chief in the summer of 2014.
Fletcher was flanked by local officials and other law enforcement agencies as he announced the changes, saying "Gangs do not run the City of Chattanooga."
As he spoke, another shooting was reported in the city.
Police say they are preparing for more violence.