Collegedale Police Department

Collegedale Police Arrest Suspect in Homicide of Missing Collegedale Man

COLLEGEDALE, TN (June 12th, 2026) – Collegedale Police Detectives have arrested an individual in connection with the homicide of 56-year-old Robert George Locke, who was reported missing in late May 2026.

The investigation began on May 24, 2026, when Locke was reported missing after family members stated they had not seen or heard from him since May 21, 2026. His last known location was his home in Collegedale.

During the week of May 28, a coordinated search effort was conducted with the assistance of Hamilton County, Rhea County, and Bradley County agencies. These partners deployed specialized technology and K9 units, helping investigators develop a clearer timeline of Locke’s last known movements.

As the investigation progressed, Collegedale detectives identified several indicators that Locke’s disappearance was suspicious. Search efforts were expanded, and forensic analysis was initiated to support the growing body of evidence.

On June 12, 2026, Collegedale Police detectives, assisted by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Kian Andrew Neal, who has been charged with Criminal Homicide, Especially Aggravated Burglary, Abuse of a Co**se, Tampering with Evidence, and Death under suspicious, unusual or unnatural circumstances. All in connection with the death of Robert George Locke.

Chief of Police Jack Sapp issued the following statement: “Our department is committed to pursuing the truth in every case, and this investigation reflects the tireless efforts of our officers and our partnering agencies. We extend our condolences to the family of Mr. Locke, and we appreciate the partnership of all agencies who assisted in bringing this case to a resolution.”

Neal is currently being held at the Hamilton County Jail on bonds totaling 1.2 million dollars.

As this remains an active investigation, no further information is available at this time. Investigators encourage anyone with additional information to come forward.

Thursday, June 11th, 2026

A deceptive‑practice report was taken in the 4400 block of Katie Kim Lane after a scam attempt was reported. Attempts to reach the reporting party by phone were unsuccessful.

An unknown 911 call was received in the 4800 block of College Drive East. Everything in the area checked out okay.

A disorder‑with‑a‑weapon call was reported in the 5300 block of Tucker Road after someone witnessed a vehicle with occupants displaying fi****ms while driving erratically. The vehicle was gone before the officers arrived.

Suspicious activity was reported in the 10200 block of McKee Drive after a caller saw an individual emerge from some bushes and walk toward the university. No one matching the description was located.

A 911 hang‑up was received in the 5000 block of Branston Road. No signs of an emergency were found.

Another unknown 911 call in the 4100 block of Stratton Lane resulted in everything checking okay.

A burglary/theft report was taken in the 5500 block of Griffin Street after a caller reported unauthorized use of a key to steal a television.

Suspicious‑vehicle activity was checked in the 8600 block of Summit Peak after a caller observed a vehicle parked at the apartment entrance. The occupants reported they were delivering food but could not access the gate.

A DUI arrest occurred in the 9300 block of Apison Pike after a rolling disorder was reported. The driver was arrested for DUI, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangerment, Driving on a suspended license, and Failure to Change Address.

A disorder was reported in an apartment in the 8600 block of Summit Peak Way. Contact was made, and the involved parties stated the issue was verbal only. No further action was needed.

Officers assisted a citizen in the 8200 block of Apison Pike after a driver experiencing vehicle trouble requested help. The vehicle ultimately could not be started.

That's all folks!

Tuesday, June 9th, 2026

A lost‑property report was taken in the 10300 block of Apison Pike after an individual reported a missing iPhone.

Fire personnel were assisted in the 4800 block of Taylor Circle after a false alarm was activated inside one of the dorm buildings.

A broken‑down vehicle was reported in the 10400 block of Apison Pike. The owner was assisted in pushing it off the roadway.

A warrant service was completed in the 4900 block of Swinyar Drive after Hamilton County Deputies arrested an individual on Collegedale warrants. The individual was taken to the Hamilton County Jail.

An unknown 911 call was received in the 8800 block of Lu Lane. Contact was made, and the call was determined accidental.

An indecent‑exposure call was handled in the 5500 block of Little Debbie Parkway, where a homeless individual accidentally exposed himself after a clothing‑related accident. He was purchasing new pants, and no criminal intent was found.

A traffic stop in the 5000 block of Little Debbie Parkway led to an arrest for a Collegedale warrant for driving on a suspended license, and the driver was also charged with driving on a suspended license.

During a traffic stop in the 10100 block of Lee Highway, a small amount of ma*****na was located. Prosecution was declined, and a citation was issued for speeding.

That's all folks!

🚔 Help Us Bring the Title Home Again! 🏆

The voting is now open for Tennessee’s Best-Looking Cruiser Award, and we need your help to put Collegedale back on top! Voting for the 2026 contest is open through June 19.

This year’s photo pays tribute to the rich history shared by Collegedale and Ooltewah. Our iconic silver cruiser was photographed at the site of the former Ooltewah train depot, a place where countless soldiers, students, families, friends, and even a Bull Moose U.S. President once stopped to stretch their legs while traveling through, or to, our small town during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Now it’s time to make some history of our own.

✅ Cast your vote here:
Vote for Collegedale Police Department⁠ by clicking here:  https://tntrafficsafety.org/2026-tn-blc-vote

Be sure to share this post with your friends and family and help us show all of Tennessee what makes our community - and our cruiser 🚓 - so special.

🚔🇺🇸

Friday, June 5th, 2026

A citizen in the 5400 block of Griffin Street requested assistance with eviction‑process questions that had already been answered.

A hazard check was conducted in the 10500 block of Lee Highway after a caller reported traffic congestion caused by construction. Traffic was flowing smoothly on arrival, and no action was required.

A delayed auto‑theft complaint was taken in the 10200 block of Scenic View after a caller reported that someone they know allegedly took their vehicle before crashing it. It was determined that the situation did not meet criminal criteria and was considered a civil matter.

An animal call occurred in the 10000 block of Apison Pike for a loose husky mix running around the Nature Nook on Tallant Road. The owners arrived and secured the animal.

A delayed disorder was reported in the 8800 block of Old Lee Highway regarding a rolling dispute that occurred earlier. It was determined that the incident happened inside Chattanooga Police jurisdiction.

A traffic stop in the 5700 block of Main Street resulted in one driver being issued a misdemeanor citation for Unlawful Removal of a license plate and Simple Possession of a Schedule II drug.

A suspicious‑vehicle check was conducted in the 5500 block of Little Debbie Parkway, where an individual was found sleeping in a parked vehicle. The individual was checked out and advised of alternate parking options before leaving.

Saturday, June 6th, 2026

A debit card found at Circle K on Apison Pike was returned to its owner.

A miscellaneous complaint in the 9100 block of Integra Preserve Court involved a missing package that showed delivered. The resident planned to follow up with the post office.

A citizen assist occurred at Apison Pike and City Station Drive, where a driver felt ill and could no longer drive. The passenger assumed driving responsibilities.

Assistance was provided to Chattanooga Police in the 9300 block of Lee Highway for a stranded motorist, who was helped into a nearby business.

Suspicious activity was checked in the 5500 block of Little Debbie Parkway, where a vehicle was found parked in the grass. Three individuals were fishing in the creek and were advised to move the vehicle.

A caller in the 4100 block of Prospect Church Road asked questions regarding firearm laws after observing a rifle in a neighbor’s vehicle.

A well‑being check was conducted in the 8800 block of Don Ray Way after a caller expressed concern about a spouse’s depression. No safety concerns were identified.

Officers assisted another agency on I‑75 northbound at Exit 11 by blocking the on‑ramp due to a truck loaded with fireworks that caught fire and resulted in a full interstate shutdown. Officers returned to the city once relieved by Chattanooga Police.

Collegedale units checked neighborhoods near Ooltewah Georgetown Road for signs of fire while multiple jurisdictions were tied up with the burning firework truck. No issues were found.

A neighborhood check on Pasture Road identified several vehicles improperly parked in a no‑parking cul‑de‑sac. The drivers were contacted and moved their vehicles.

Officers assisted Hamilton County Deputies in the 5500 block of McDonald Road for a prowler reported outside a residence.

Sunday, June 7th, 2026

A traffic stop for speeding in the 10000 block of Lee Highway led to officers following the driver to a residence in the 8800 block of Jen Rue Lane, where a resident was found to have fallen and struck their head. Minor injuries were sustained, and EMS arrived to provide care.

A verbal disorder occurred in the 9700 block of Robinson Farm Road involving a dispute between family members over food left in the microwave. The parties separated for the evening.

A civil dispute was reported in the 9600 block of Chaucer Terrace concerning neighbors arguing over a property line.

A citizen assist was completed in the 5900 block of Elementary Way after an individual requested information about AirTags following a phone notification.

A citizen assist was provided at the EDC building for an 18‑wheeler that became stuck near the playground. The vehicle was eventually turned around.

A crash occurred in the 5500 block of Little Debbie Parkway involving two vehicles with no injuries.

An employee in the 5900 block of Reagan Lane located a burnt metal pipe. It was turned in for destruction, and an information report was completed at the business's request.

A delayed‑assault case was reported in the 5400 block of Griffin Street after an individual brought evidence supporting an assault.

Two individuals were arrested in the 5400 block of Griffin Street on active warrants from the earlier assault investigation. A search warrant was executed following the arrests. Schedule VI drugs, Schedule IV drugs, and drug paraphernalia were located.

Suspicious activity was reported in the 9600 block of Dutton Lane after a caller heard an unusual noise on a Ring doorbell. Nothing suspicious was found.

That's all folks!

Officer Lewis was out conducting a neighborhood check when he spotted a lemonade stand open for business. Naturally, he had to stop and investigate.

After a quick taste test, he determined that there were no violations to report, just a hardworking young entrepreneur serving up smiles and good lemonade on a sunny day.

We love seeing the creativity, initiative, and community spirit that make Collegedale such a special place to call home.