News Releases

A Hamilton County grand jury has handed down an indictment against Joshua Wells, 32, who is accused of murdering his mother by setting her house on fire while she slept inside. Investigators with the Chattanooga Fire Department are relieved to see new movement in the case after six years now that District Attorney Coty Wamp has joined their ongoing efforts to seek justice for the victim. On July 13, 2016 at 5:30 AM, Joshua Wells is accused of setting fire to his family’s home at 1725 Rubio Street. With Mr. Wells’ mother, Kimberly Wells, 44, inside of the residence at the time the fire was set, flames quickly engulfed the structure. Once Chattanooga firefighters responded to the scene, the home had already sustained significant damage and was actively in flames. Crews made entry through the front and located Ms. Wells, who was suffering from injuries from the fire. Ms. Wells was transported to the hospital in critical condition and then airlifted to a burn center in Augusta, Georgia. She passed away from injuries sustained in the blaze the following day.

CFD fire investigators spent countless hours working on the case and through the course of their investigation, developed Joshua Wells as the suspect. For years, they have pushed to have Wells prosecuted and now, thanks to the leadership of District Attorney Coty Wamp, justice is finally coming to fruition. On Tuesday (12/13/22), this case was presented to the Hamilton County Grand Jury and Joshua Wells was indicted on charges of Felony First Degree Murder and Aggravated Arson. Mr. Wells is currently at the Hamilton County Jail on other pending crimes committed after the arson.

“We have thought about Kimberly Wells every day for six years and we won’t stop fighting for her until justice is served because she didn’t deserve this to happen to her, especially at the hands of her own son,” said Captain Anthony Moore, lead investigator for the Chattanooga Fire Department. “Her life was cut far too short.”

The grand jury found enough probable cause for Joshua Wells to be charged and the case will now go to trial. The Chattanooga Fire Department thanks the Hamilton County District Attorney’s Office and District Attorney Wamp for reviewing all of the evidence compiled by investigators and working to see that the person responsible for Kimberly Wells’ death is held accountable.

“It’s been a privilege to work with Captain Moore on this investigation and indictment,” said DA Coty Wamp. “Captain Moore is the epitome of a persistent Fire Investigator who did not give up and has continued to fight for justice for Ms. Wells. This is what criminal justice is all about and I am honored to be a part of a cold case investigation that is no longer cold.”

Rubio Street 2

Joshua Wells mug shot

Please keep Lieutenant Darrell Hinton Jr. in your thoughts and prayers as he awaits a donor for a heart transplant. Darrell is being treated at Vanderbilt Medical Center and a Go Fund Me page has been started to help with expenses. Lt. Hinton is a 20-year veteran of the CFD and works in our Fire Prevention Bureau after being recently named our newest inspector. Here is the link to support this longtime firefighter & his family: https://gofund.me/ef357608

Here's what the Go Fund Me page states: Hello, this fundraiser was recommended to assist with medical expenses. Within a matter of days, life changed for this exceptional individual. Darrell Hinton has been a firefighter with the City of Chattanooga for 20 years and was recently promoted to fire inspector. Darrell was newly listed for a heart transplant. He is currently receiving treatment at Vanderbilt Medical Center, Nashville, TN. Darrell will remain in the hospital until his transplant and several weeks later. Darrell and his wife are in Nashville, away from their two daughters, family, friends and fellow firefighters. His recovery from treatment will most likely keep him off work for some time. We are asking for help to raise funds to assist with the cost of treatment and all the expenses associated with travel, food, lodging and recovery. He has devoted his career to helping his fellow humans and now needs help. Thanks in advance for your support!

Update: On December 14, 2022, Lt. Hinton received a heart donor, underwent heart transplant surgery and he is now recovering. His family greatly appreciates all of the support and generosity they have received from so many in the community, as does the entire Chattanooga Fire Department. Please continue praying for this kind, caring, dedicated public servant. Thank you!

Darrell Hinton

Chattanooga firefighters worked an extrication on Gadd Road Thursday morning (12/8/22) that sent one person to the hospital with minor injuries. It happened at 10 AM at 537 Gadd Road in Hixson when a Chattanooga Public Works truck struck a pole and then overturned on its side in a ditch, pinning the driver inside. He was trapped in his seat by the steering wheel. Fire companies responded and crews quickly removed part of the roof of the truck. Then, they moved the steering wheel to get the driver out. Squad 13, Squad 7, Ladder 19, Battalion 2 (Green Shift) and members of CFD’s Special Operations Division were on the call, along with CPD and HCEMS. The tracker on the vehicle (an Old Dominion Brush Company Truck-Mounted Debris Collector/Leaf Vacuum) shows it was driving in the low 20s and no other vehicles were involved, according to the Department of Public Works.

gadd road city vehicle extrication

Two dogs perished in a detached garage fire in the 5000 block of Florida Avenue in the St. Elmo area. It happened just after 12 AM Wednesday (12/7/22). The garage was a total loss. There were no injuries and the fire appeared to be electrical in nature. Quint 14, Squad 1, Quint 1, Ladder 1, Squad 20, Battalion 1 Green Shift responded.

garage fire

Rising flood water prompted a search and rescue effort Tuesday night (12/6/22) on Workman Road in Chattanooga involving several agencies. Thankfully, no people were located, but several dogs were removed by first responders. At approximately 5 PM, CFD Green Shift companies responded to the 500 block of Workman Road in an attempt to find homeless parties in a flooded woodland area. Recent rainfall caused flooding which made part of the homeless encampment a small island in the creek. Several tents were in the area of concern and first responders needed to know if any people were stuck and required assistance. Swift water teams with Dallas Bay Fire & Rescue and Hamilton County Special Tactics & Rescue Services...(STARS) responded to help with getting the homeless parties back on solid land if necessary. The Chattanooga Police Department, Hamilton County EMS and McKamey Animal Center also responded. Each of the boats had to be carried from the trailers down to the creek by emergency personnel which was no easy task. A thorough search was done upstream and downstream and no people were located or needed to be rescued. Several hours later, the search ended. One dog was saved from the flooded area. Several other dogs were found nearby and secured. Thanks to members of the city’s Office of Homelessness and Supportive Housing for assisting in the search efforts. Battalion 1, Squad 1 and Quint 14 were on the call for Chattanooga Fire.