On October Sunday at 9:15 p.m., Chattanooga Police responded to a report of two pedestrians struck at 2000 Gunbarrel Road. The crash resulted in one fatality and severe, traumatic injuries to the other pedestrian.

The Chattanooga Police Department’s Traffic/DUI Unit responded to conduct the investigation. Preliminary findings indicate the pedestrians’ vehicle, a Jeep Wrangler, had run out of fuel and was stopped on the roadway with its hazard lights activated. The pedestrians were in the process of refueling when a southbound Dodge 1500 struck both of them then crashed into the rear of the Jeep, causing extensive damage to both vehicles.  

The 27-year-old male pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene. The 27-year-old female pedestrian was transported by Hamilton County EMS to a local hospital. Two juvenile passengers who were in the Dodge at the time of the crash were also transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.  

The driver of the Dodge, 32-year-old John Boyd (male), was interviewed and administered field sobriety tests before being arrested for DUI, Vehicular Homicide, Vehicular Assault, two counts of Child Endangerment, and other related charges. Boyd was taken to the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center. 

This information is preliminary and subject to change as the investigation continues. Chattanooga Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident to call 423-698-2525.