Editor's note: As of Monday afternoon, police said they have the suspect in custody.
The city of Nashville, Tennessee is on high alert Monday as authorities search for a suspect who opened fire in a Waffle House restaurant on Sunday, killing four people.
Fox News reports that the 29-year-old suspect shot two people in the Waffle House parking lot before entering the establishment with his AR-15 rifle. It was a Waffle House customer who bravely wrestled the weapon away from the suspect, who then fled.
Those killed in the shooting have been identified as 29-year-old restaurant worker Taurean C. Sanderlin, and restaurant customers Joe R. Perez, 20, Akilah Dasilva, 23, and DeEbony Groves, 21. Four other people were wounded, one of whom is in critical condition.
The man who wrestled the weapon away from the suspect, preventing further loss of life, is being hailed as a hero. Twenty-nine-year-old James Shaw, Jr. deflected the praise and said he was just trying to stay alive.
The suspect has not yet been apprehended, and it is thought he has “mental issues.” He reportedly opened fire at the Waffle House wearing nothing but a green jacket.
He's on foot," said Nashville Police chief Steve Anderson. "Unless he's been picked up by a car, he would be fairly close. We don't want to alarm people, but certainly, everybody should take precautions. It could be he's in an unoccupied house. We want everybody to be concerned. Neighbors should check on each other."
Nashville Mayor David Briley issued a statement following the shooting:
“My heart goes out to the families & friends of every person who was killed or wounded. I know all of their lives will be forever changed by this devastating crime.”
Photo courtesy: Flickr.com
Publication date: April 23, 2018
