EAST RIDGE, Tenn. — Two people have been arrested and charged with criminal homicide following a deadly shooting inside a Waffle House in East Ridge that left a 26-year-old man dead. East Ridge Police say the shooting happened early Sunday morning, January 18, at the restaurant located at 6513 Ringgold Road, sending shockwaves through the community.
According to the East Ridge Police Department, officers were dispatched to the Waffle House after reports that a man had been shot multiple times. When officers arrived, they found the victim, later identified as Mayco Bravo Gonzalez, of East Ridge, lying on the floor of the restaurant with multiple life-threatening gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began providing medical aid while waiting for emergency responders.
Gonzalez was transported by EMS to Erlanger Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Police said the shooting appeared to be targeted and unfolded rapidly inside the busy restaurant, placing employees and customers in danger. The incident prompted an extensive investigation by the department’s Criminal Investigative Division.
Investigators said witness statements and surveillance video played a key role in identifying the suspects. According to police, a man and a woman entered the restaurant together and briefly interacted with staff. A short verbal exchange occurred between the pair and Gonzalez before the two suspects left the building, seemingly disengaging from the situation.
Moments later, police said the male suspect returned to the restaurant armed with a handgun. Surveillance footage shows him reentering the Waffle House and opening fire on Gonzalez while the victim was seated and had his back turned. Investigators said the victim was unsuspecting at the time of the attack. The female suspect also reentered the restaurant carrying a firearm but did not fire any shots.
On January 20, East Ridge police arrested 37-year-old Toney Tyrone Allen of Chattanooga and 43-year-old Cyntoria Deanna Simmons of East Ridge. Both were taken into custody at the East Ridge Police Department and charged with Criminal Homicide under Tennessee law (TCA 39-13-201). The investigation remains active as authorities continue to review evidence and determine whether additional charges may be filed.
