A Chattanooga Police Department officer is under criminal investigation following a disturbing sequence of events that occurred late Sunday night, June 1, 2025. The officer, identified as 2019 CPD hire Mackenzie Pierre, is accused of causing two separate vehicle collisions while driving under the influence — both of which are now at the center of an active DUI investigation.
Chattanooga Police responded to two related crashes just minutes apart around 11:30 p.m. The first incident occurred in the 4200 block of Bonny Oaks Drive, followed by a second collision nearby in the 4300 block of Highway 58. Officer Pierre, who was off duty at the time and operating a privately-owned blue SUV, has been charged with driving under the influence, leaving the scene of a crash, and failure to yield the right of way.
According to the preliminary investigation, eyewitness testimony, and officer observations, the first crash occurred when Pierre allegedly ran a red light at 4200 Bonny Oaks Drive and struck a vehicle waiting at the intersection. Instead of stopping, the officer reportedly fled the scene in the SUV.
The driver of the vehicle that was struck began following Pierre along Bonny Oaks Drive in an attempt to report the erratic behavior. As Pierre attempted to cross Highway 58 toward the Highway 153 North entrance ramp, the SUV was struck again — this time by a westbound vehicle on Highway 58.
After the second collision, Pierre’s SUV continued through the median and came to rest in the grass at the bottom of the Highway 153 exit ramp. Fortunately, no individuals required hospitalization, though one person was assessed at the scene by Chattanooga Fire and EMS personnel.
Responding officers identified the SUV’s driver as Officer Mackenzie Pierre, a member of CPD’s Neighborhood Policing unit. Officers immediately notified the department’s Traffic/DUI Unit, and Pierre was transported by EMS to a local hospital for medical evaluation after displaying signs of intoxication.
The Chattanooga Police Department confirmed that Officer Pierre was placed on administrative leave the following day, pending the outcome of both the internal affairs and criminal investigations. Officials emphasized that Pierre was not driving a city-owned vehicle and was off duty at the time of the incidents.
The department noted that the investigation remains ongoing and encouraged any witnesses or individuals with relevant information to contact the CPD directly.
Drunk driving remains one of the leading causes of preventable injury and death on American roadways. The involvement of a law enforcement officer — someone sworn to uphold public safety — in such an incident further amplifies public concern. This case is not just about reckless behavior; it represents a breakdown in trust and accountability from an individual who is expected to model lawful conduct.
While the legal process must play out, the situation raises serious questions about internal oversight, off-duty conduct, and how public safety agencies manage high-risk behaviors among their ranks.
For those involved in drunk driving crashes, the road to recovery can be long and uncertain. Even in cases like this, where medical injuries are reported as “minor,” victims often experience long-term effects — emotionally, physically, and financially.
Victims of DUI-related crashes may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit for:
Medical expenses and treatment
Lost wages or employment impacts
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Emotional trauma
This is especially relevant when the at-fault party holds a position of public trust. While criminal charges are necessary to address wrongdoing, civil litigation allows victims to pursue accountability and recover financial losses that the criminal justice system doesn’t cover.
At Haggard Crime Victim Attorney, we represent individuals who have been harmed by negligence — including drunk driving crashes, reckless behavior by public officials, and failures of institutional accountability.
Our team has extensive experience helping victims seek justice in cases involving off-duty police misconduct, impaired driving, and criminal negligence. If you or someone you love has been impacted by a DUI crash in Florida, you may have a right to pursue legal action, even if the driver is a law enforcement officer.
Contact Haggard Crime Victim Attorney today for a free consultation. Our firm will help you understand your options and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
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