News Summary
A shooting on Interstate 24 West led to the death of a male driver and significant traffic delays on Saturday morning. The incident, initially reported as a multi-vehicle crash, prompted a response from various law enforcement agencies as they worked to gather evidence. Traffic was halted for over five hours, severely impacting morning commuters. Authorities are urging witnesses to come forward as the investigation continues.
La Vergne, TN — A fatal shooting on Interstate 24 West has led to significant traffic disruptions following a series of events that unfolded on Saturday morning, July 12, 2025, at approximately 7:51 a.m. near mile marker 64. The incident, initially reported as a multi-vehicle crash, was later confirmed to be a shooting that resulted in the death of a male driver. The victim’s identity has not been revealed pending notification of his family.
The Metro Nashville Police Department received a call regarding the incident just before 7:30 a.m., which drew the attention of multiple law enforcement agencies including the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, La Vergne Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, and Metro Nashville Police and Fire Departments. Additionally, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) was involved in managing the situation.
After confirming that the victim died from gunshot wounds, authorities worked diligently at the scene, which quickly became a focal point for investigation. The westbound lanes of I-24 were fully closed between Waldron Road (Exit 64) and Old Hickory Boulevard (Exit 62) for more than five and a half hours, beginning around 8:30 a.m. Traffic didn’t resume in the westbound direction until just after 1 p.m., earlier than the initially estimated reopening time of 2 p.m.
The traffic jam extended back to the Rocky Ford Road exit ramp in Smyrna, significantly impacting morning commutes as motorists were advised to detour by exiting at Waldron Road, traveling north on U.S. Highway 41, and then re-entering I-24 at Old Hickory Boulevard.
As investigators collected evidence at the scene, they were seen examining not only the roadway but also adjacent grassy areas and tree lines, indicating that evidence may have been widely dispersed. Law enforcement officials have yet to confirm the source of the gunfire, whether it came from another vehicle or from the sides of the highway or even the nearby woods.
In addition to the deceased driver, a second victim was transported to a local hospital, but details regarding this individual’s condition or specific injuries have not yet been disclosed to the public. The investigation remains ongoing, with no suspects identified or arrests made thus far.
In light of the ongoing investigation, authorities are encouraging anyone who might have witnessed the incident or possesses information related to the shooting to reach out to Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Detective Thomas Burnett at 615-904-3052.
This incident highlights the dangers associated with roadway violence, underscoring the need for further investigation into gun-related incidents in public areas. As law enforcement continues to piece together the circumstances surrounding this tragic event, residents are reminded of the importance of road safety and vigilance.
With traffic improvements and safety measures being a priority for local government officials, incidents like this raise concerns about the potential for further occurrences. The community will be watching closely as details emerge and the investigation unfolds.
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Additional Resources
- WGNS Radio: Traffic Alert in La Vergne
- Google Search: La Vergne shooting I-24
- WSMV: Deadly Shooting Investigation
- Wikipedia: Law enforcement in the United States
- Tennessean: I-24 Shut Down for Investigation
- Google Scholar: Road safety incidents
- WKRN: Police Investigation Closes I-24
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Accident
- Fox 17: Man Found Shot to Death
- Google News: La Vergne shooting news
Author: HERE Nashville
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