Chattanooga Radio: WGOW Host Shot, Arrested After Road Rage

Jeff Styles

Chattanooga police have arrested WGOW 102.3 FM host Jeff Styles on Saturday, charging him with Aggravated Assault and Vandalism.

Styles, 57, was involved in what was reported as a "road rage" incident Friday afternoon on Highway 153 near Gwyn Road. according to WRCB-TV.

Police say after Styles approached the vehicle of 35-year-old Nickolas Bullington, with a tomahawk-style weapon, and struck the windshield. Bullington then fired a single round, striking Styles in the right arm.

Bullington left the scene and contacted police about the altercation. Saturday, police arrested Styles, who had reportedly been treated and released from Erlanger Medical Center. Styles has worked in Chattanooga radio for many years, hosting WGOW's morning talk show since 1992.

Here is a summary of the investigation by the Chattanooga Police Department:

• Upon arrival, police found a male party suffering from a gunshot to his arm. 
• The party was transported to a local hospital by Hamilton County EMS. 
• Investigators identified the party shot as Jeffery Styles.
• Investigators were able to determine that there was a confrontation between Jeffery Styles and a second male party prior to the shooting.
• Investigators determined Jeffery Styles had approached the other male party's vehicle with a tomahawk style weapon and struck the front windshield of the vehicle before the driver fired a single round which struck the male party in the right arm. The driver then left the scene.
• Police were notified a short time later the shooting suspect had called 911 Dispatch requesting to meet officers at a different location where they made contact with Nickolas Bullington.
• Investigators obtained warrants for Jeffery Styles for the offenses of Aggravated Assault and Vandalism.
• Jeffery Styles was subsequently arrested on 6/16/2018.

Members of the Violent Crime Bureau are actively investigating this incident.

As of noon Saturday, neither Cumulus Media nor WGOW management has commented on the the arrest of Styles.

On Friday  Kevin West of WGOW said, "Our 26-year veteran morning show host on WGOW-FM was shot in the right arm in a road rage incident late this afternoon in Hixson. Jeff is being treated at Erlanger Medical Center's emergency room and is expected to be released tonight. Chattanooga police are investigating."