Category Archives: Local News

TBI investigates shooting connected to car burglary

TBI investigates shooting connected to car burglary

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- Early Saturday morning in Smyrna, around 2 a.m., police officers responded to a report of people breaking into vehicles at an apartment complex on Great Circle. A foot chase followed, and for reasons still under review, the situation escalated. At least one officer fired his gun, hitting one of the suspects.…MORE

Man Accused of Wanting to Have Sex with a Baby Sentenced to 25 years

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – The man accused of traveling from Mississippi to Chattanooga in hopes of having sex with a 10-month-old child has been sentenced to 25 years in prison. If he lives long enough to get out, 50-year-old Dennis Gaal will be on supervised release for the rest of his life. He pleaded guilty…MORE

Weather Update: Saturday – February 22, 2025

Weather Update: Saturday – February 22, 2025

WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Overnight: Mostly clear. Cold. Lows: low/mid 20’s. Winds: L&V. Saturday: Sunny, slightly warmer. Highs: low 50’s. Winds: SW @ 5 MPH. Overnight: Mostly clear. Cold. Lows: mid 20’s. Winds: L&V. Sunday: Sunshine, dry, mild. Highs: low 50’s. Winds: L&V. Overnight: A few clouds. Cold. Lows: low/mid 20’s.…MORE

Sale Creek man taken into custody after 8 hour SWAT standoff

SALE CREEK, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Sale Creek man has been taken into custody after a lengthy SWAT standoff. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), along with other law enforcement agencies were serving a high risk warrant this morning at the 15000 block of Highway 27. At some point after authorities arrived on scene, the…MORE

Weather Update: Friday – February 21, 2025

Weather Update: Friday – February 21, 2025

WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Friday: Mostly sunny. Slightly less cold. Highs: near 40. Winds: NE @ 5 MPH. Overnight: Mostly clear. Cold. Lows: low/mid 20’s. Winds: L&V. Saturday: Sunny, slightly warmer. Highs: low 50’s. Winds: SW @ 5 MPH. Overnight: Mostly clear. Cold. Lows: mid 20’s. Winds: L&V. Sunday: Sunshine, dry,…MORE

Cleveland pastor pleads guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor

Cleveland pastor pleads guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Cleveland pastor has plead guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor after investigators uncovered child sexual abuse material on his laptop. In the summer of 2023, the Cleveland Police Department (CLPD) received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The tip was in regards to…MORE

Collegedale father indicted, mother charged after infant daughter’s death

Collegedale father indicted, mother charged after infant daughter’s death

COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Collegedale father has been indicted after the tragic death of his infant daughter last summer. On August 12, 2024, officers with the Collegedale Police Department (CDPD) were working an active school zone when they encountered Timothy Paul Blackdeer, and his unresponsive daughter, Violet Blackdeer. According to CDPD, despite all efforts…MORE

Juvenile arrested for making threats against Soddy Daisy Middle School

Juvenile arrested for making threats against Soddy Daisy Middle School

MGN SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A juvenile was arrested after makes threats against Soddy Daisy Middle School (SDMS). On Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 12:50 p.m. the School Resource Officer at SDMS was made aware of a TikTok video referencing school violence. According to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), the threat depicted was…MORE

Girl Scout Cookie season is here!

Dr. Sabrina Sammons with the Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians joins News 12 This Morning to talk about girl scout cookie season and to judge the annual cookie eating contest. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It’s that time of year again where green sashes are near every grocery store, Girl Scout cookie season. The Girl Scout…MORE