1-18-19 Five arrested for Obstructing Roadway

"Chattanooga Police Officers were forced to take action in order to prevent anyone from being injured or worse today," said Chief David Roddy. "The Chattanooga Police Department supports community members who stand for things they care about, but it needs to be done in a way that does not pose a significant safety risk to the participants and others in and traveling through the area."

The organizers of the Chattanooga Women's March stated that the 2019 event would be a rally in the park only and would not be doing the march portion of the event. The organizers did not obtain a permit to march. Therefore the roads, including Market Street, remained open to vehicles and when marchers entered the roadway. Marchers were given multiple verbal commands by CPD Officers to continue their march on the sidewalk. The arrested individuals refused or ignored officer's safety directions as they walked along the entire length of the Market Street Bridge. Once they exited the bridge, police were forced to remove some of the individuals from the roadway and place them under arrest. At that time, others who were previously non-compliant moved to the sidewalks and observed designated traffic signals.

All five arrested were charged with Obstructing the Roadway which is in violation of Tennessee Code Annotated 39-17-307.

*Video attached for media use. Please credit Chattanooga Police Department.

ARRESTED:
Virginia Moss

Alaina Cobb

William Nix

Joel Willis

Holly Johnson