9-4-20 UPDATE: Suspect charged with Reckless Homicide / 10-2-19 Arrest in connection to 2018 fatal overdose

During the course of the two-plus-year investigation, Narcotics Investigators obtained evidence that Harbison waited several hours before deciding to make an effort for emergency medical assistance. Harbison also altered the crime scene which contributed to the lengthy investigation.

James Kelly Harbison (DOB: 4/23/67) is in custody at the Hamilton County Jail.

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(Chattanooga, TN) - Chattanooga Police charge a man in connection with a drug overdose that occurred on March 28, 2018. James Kelly Harbison (52) is charged with Tampering/Fabricating Evidence and Filing False Reports.

On the evening of March 28, 2018, Chattanooga Police responded to a local hospital where 37-year-old Erik Patty was found alone and unresponsive in the parking lot. Mr. Patty received immediate medical treatment, but did not survive and was pronounced deceased on April 1, 2018.

Since the original call, Narcotics Investigators have conducted extensive follow-up investigation. Their dedicated efforts during the past 18-months led to the arrest of Harbison who was booked into the Hamilton County Jail on October 1, 2019. At this time, Harbison is not charged with causing Mr. Patty’s death. CPD Narcotics officers continue the investigation on this case.

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SUSPECT:

James K. Harbison

DOB: 04/23/67