News Summary
In Smyrna, Tennessee, a suspect was apprehended after barricading themselves inside a liquor store, leading to an active shooter alert. Shots were fired, causing panic amongst patrons, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. The situation escalated with property damage and attempts to ignite a fire. Following negotiations, law enforcement safely took the suspect into custody, and roads have since reopened as investigations continue.
Smyrna, Tennessee – Suspect Apprehended After Barricading Themselves Inside Liquor Store
A suspect was apprehended after barricading themselves inside the Legacy Wine & Spirits liquor store in Smyrna, Tennessee, on Tuesday afternoon. The situation escalated when the Smyrna Police Department (SPD) received reports of shots fired inside the establishment, prompting concerns of an active shooter incident.
Initially, the SPD categorized the incident as an active shooter scenario, which led to panic among patrons who fled the area. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries linked to the events that unfolded during the afternoon. As the situation progressed, SPD adjusted the classification from an active shooter to a barricaded suspect.
According to Rutherford County District Attorney Jennings Jones, the suspect fired shots that shattered a window of the liquor store, and surveillance footage captured the individual damaging property by breaking bottles within the establishment while brandishing a firearm. Witnesses at the scene recounted that the suspect had first approached the store staff to request the use of a phone and asked for a bottle of tequila, before taking a turn toward violence.
As tensions escalated, the suspect attempted to ignite a fire within the store and reportedly fired rounds towards police officers who were responding to the incident. Local, county, and state law enforcement agencies swiftly surrounded the area around Lee Victory Parkway, attempting to resolve the situation with safety as a top priority.
A local high school student who received alerts during the incident described the confusion and fear felt in the community, noting that many sought shelter as the situation developed. The police engaged in negotiations with the suspect for several hours, which ultimately led to a peaceful resolution when the individual was taken into custody shortly before 6 p.m.
Following the conclusion of the incident, all roads in the vicinity have since been reopened, although the SPD has indicated that there will be a continued police presence in the area while the investigation is underway.
School officials, despite summer break policies in place, maintained communication with law enforcement throughout the incident. They took preventive measures by informing principals in the area in case any staff members were present on campus during the frightening events.
This unsettling incident has caused a significant disruption in the Smyrna community, heightening awareness and response protocols among local law enforcement and institutions. Officials are continuing their investigation into the suspect’s motives and actions during the barricade situation, aiming to ensure community safety and address any concerns raised by residents.
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Additional Resources
- WSMV: Active Shooting Suspect in Custody in Smyrna
- WSMV: Shooting Suspect Barricaded in Smyrna
- NewsChannel 5: Active Shooter Situation Reported in Smyrna
- Tennessean: Smyrna Police Working Active Shooter Call
- Wikipedia: Active Shooter
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Active Shooter
- WBIR: Active Shooter Situation in Smyrna, Tennessee
- Google News: Smyrna Tennessee Active Shooter
Author: HERE Nashville
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