UPDATE: Chattanooga police arrested a Memphis man on Wednesday, March 18, after they say he robbed and shot at two people outside of an O'Reilly Auto Parts on East 23rd Street earlier this month.
Just after 8:00pm on Friday, March 6, police learned that two people buying a part for a vehicle were held at gunpoint outside the auto parts store, according to an affidavit obtained by Local 3 News.
Detectives talked with the victim after he was released from the hospital, who told them the name of the woman he initially agreed to meet on Facebook. Police then were able to identify 22-year-old Ca'Trayvin Andrews as one of her associates.
They described the suspect as a man wearing a dark gray hoodie with black lines, black pants, and a red camouflage face covering.
The suspect demanded the victim hand over all the money he had while pointing a pistol at him. The man tried to flee from the armed gunman, but the suspect shot a round into the back door of the victim's car, which led to him complying with the suspect's demands.
After giving the masked man his money, the suspect fled the scene.
The victim attempted to follow him at a distance but was again fired upon as the suspect ran across E 23rd Street. The second time, police say the man shot at the victims in their car, penetrating the driver's side window, crossing through the cabin, and exiting the front windshield, narrowly missing the driver and passenger.
The suspect then fled out of sight.
While investigating, detectives identified a person of interest, and used five different video cameras, along with a police camera in the area, to create a timeline for the suspect.
Officers learned that it was likely the man was staying at a motel on E 23rd Street. Another person they spoke with tipped them off that the man was 36-year-old Rhakim Martin.
Police say video footage from the motel showed him leaving the property wearing the same clothing the suspect did during the robbery.
Martin was previously convicted of carjacking and employing a firearm in the commission of a dangerous felony, according to the arrest report.
Chattanooga police obtained a warrant, then went to the motel where he was staying on Wednesday, March 18 to arrest him. After questioning, they took him to the Hamilton County Jail.
- Aggravated robbery
- Reckless endangerment
- Possessing a firearm with intent to go armed
- Possession of firearm during a felony
He's scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, March 31.
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The suspect in a robbery outside of the O'Reilly Auto Parts on East 23rd Street was taken into custody on Wednesday afternoon, Chattanooga Police say.
The man was identified as Rhakim Martin.
Police believe Martin robbed a person at gunpoint outside the O'Reilly Auto Parts on East 23rd Street on March 6.
PREVIOUS STORY:
Chattanooga police say a person was robbed at gunpoint outside the O'Reilly Auto Parts on East 23rd Street Friday night.
Lieutenant Josh May with the Chattanooga Police Department told Local 3 the call came in around 8:11pm. May said shots were exchanged during the incident. The suspect reportedly fired at the victim. No injuries were reported.
The suspect, described as an African American male in his mid-20s to early-30s, was last seen wearing a gray hoodie, black pants, and a camouflage ski mask. Police say he fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money.
Lieutenant May said there is no immediate threat to the public, but anyone who sees the suspect is urged to call 911.
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There is a police presence at the O'Reilly Auto Parts on East 23rd Street this evening.
Local 3 has a crew on scene working to learn more.
We also reached out to Chattanooga Police for more information.