gunman is reportedly a recent parolee

Cleveland Daily Banner - Chattanooga police officer shot killed:

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According to the Associated Press, the robbery took place at U.S. Money Shops in the 5900 block of Brainerd Road in Chattanooga.

A local law enforcement source stated Sgt. Tim Chaplin had been struck in the head and killed by gunfire from the suspect.

He also stated that another officer, Lorine D. Johnston Sr., had been shot in the back by the gunman. 

Sgt. Chaplin was a 27-year veteran. He was nearing retirement, Mayor Ron Littlefield, told Associated Press Broadcast Radio.

“Nothing hits a city harder than the death of a police officer in the line of duty,” said Littlefield.

Reports state officers were alerted to the robbery around 10:30 a.m. Upon arriving on the scene officers were engaged by a single male suspect.

After returning fire, the suspect fled and police followed in car and on foot. During the chase both officers were struck and the suspect was wounded.

The suspect was taken to a Chattanooga hospital and remains under heavy guard.

Johnston was wearing a protective vest. He was treated and released, but returned later for treatment of a leg wound, according to reports.

The gunman is reportedly a recent parolee from a Colorado prison.

Phil Grubb, the city police union president, said Chapin headed the patrol division and was widely respected by his officers.

“Tim was a guy that everybody liked,” Grubb said. “He was always kind of quiet and well-spoken and would do anything for anybody.”

“He was a supervisor that his officers trusted and respected, and one of the best patrol supervisors that we’ve got,” Grubb said.