Robert Ingle

Kirk Eidson

A retired Chattanooga police assistant chief shot his 18-year-old stepson in the leg during a scuffle Sunday at the family's North Chattanooga home.

Kirk Eidson, 59, told police his stepson, Robert Ingle, attacked him as he was getting dressed around 9:15 a.m. Sunday. Eidson, who retired from the police department in late 2013, said Ingle came into the house at 1049 Englewood Avenue and asked for a ride to the family's other house.

As Eidson was getting dressed, Ingle burst into the room and demanded the keys to Eidson's truck. Eidson told police he backed up and pulled his handgun out of his pocket. Eidson said he held the gun at his side and told his stepson to leave, according to the affidavit.

Eidson said he told Ingle that he didn't want to shoot him. But Ingle then rushed Eidson with his hand over his head in a fist. Eidson said the two bumped and the gun went off, shooting Ingle in the right leg, just above the knee.

Eidson administered first aid then went to the front porch to call police, according to the affidavit. Ingle followed Eidson to the porch, so Eidson got in his truck to drive away. At that point, Ingle threw a flower pot at Eidson, according to a neighbor who witnessed the altercation.

Chattanooga police arrested Ingle and charged him with domestic assault and vandalism, according to Ingle's arrest report. Ingle's injuries were not life threatening. Eidson was not arrested and has not been charged for his role in the shooting.

Eidson declined to comment on this story, citing the ongoing police investigation.

Stay with the Times Free Press for updates on this developing story.