Police Officer Julie Rochelle Jacks

Julie Rochelle Jacks

Police Officer Julie Jacks was shot and killed with her own service weapon while attempting to apprehend a suspect who had fled from a hospital during a mental evaluation.

The suspect had been taken to the hospital by another officer but fled before receiving any treatment. Officer Jacks, who was in the area, assisted the original officer in locating the suspect. When she located him at Vine and Kilmer streets, a struggle ensued and the suspect gained control of her service weapon and shot her.

The suspect was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison on August 15, 2005. He will become eligible for parole after he serves 85 percent of his sentence.

Officer Jacks was Rookie of the Year in 2001. She had been employed with the Chattanooga Police Department for just over three years, and is survived by her fiance, parents, and two sisters.