Man Fires Gun Near Nashville Church, Armed Citizen Responds

Detectives with the Metro Nashville Police Department are asking for public assistance in identifying a man who fired a gun near Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church after a confrontation with volunteers. The suspect, seen frequently in the area, fled after the incident.

NASHVILLE, TN (4-minute read) — Detectives with the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) are seeking public assistance in identifying a man involved in a firearm incident near Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church on Nolensville Pike this past weekend.

According to MNPD, the suspect drew a firearm and fired a shot late Saturday night after shouting at volunteer workers on the church property. The volunteers were managing traffic for an evening mass when they noticed a man walking his dog westbound on Sunrise Avenue toward Nolensville Pike. As he approached, he began yelling obscenities at the volunteers.

While standing in the roadway, the man reportedly unholstered a pistol. Reacting to the threat, one of the volunteers also drew his firearm. Both men fired shots into the ground, causing the suspect to flee the scene, police reported.

The man is believed to reside in the nearby area and has been observed walking on previous evenings, MNPD stated. The motive behind his confrontation with the volunteers remains unclear.

MNPD encourages anyone who may recognize the man to contact Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. Callers can remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward for information leading to the suspect’s identification.

This incident highlights the importance of responsible gun ownership and the need for proper training in self-defense situations. It serves as a reminder that firearm safety and situational awareness are crucial, especially in public spaces.

Safety Tip: Always be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to local authorities. Responsible firearm ownership includes understanding when and how to use your firearm safely.