:format(jpeg):focal(683x216:693x206)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gfrmedia/WYLLT4QZ5FF7TLLHO5XJ6ZCGNE.jpg "Nashville restaurant shooting leaves one dead, five injured")
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – Tragedy struck a Nashville restaurant on Sunday afternoon as a man was killed and five others were wounded in a shooting, according to authorities.
The incident occurred around 3 p.m. in the Salemtown neighborhood and began when the suspect arrived at the scene with a woman. An argument quickly escalated between the suspect and the deceased man, identified as 33-year-old Allen Beachem, police said.
Metropolitan Nashville Police spokesman Don Aaron described the situation as escalating significantly within moments of the initial confrontation. The conditions of the other victims were initially unknown.
Police identified the 46-year-old suspect and the vehicle used to flee the scene through security footage provided by the restaurant. The search operation continued on Sunday as authorities posted images of the scene on social media, including a photo of the suspect brandishing a gun.
Aaron stated that the shooter was the only one with a firearm and there was no exchange of gunfire. The chaotic scene inside the restaurant led to scenes of panic as customers attempted to flee and some even tried to confront the gunman, according to police Commander Anthony McClain.
Investigators were at local hospitals on Sunday interviewing the victims to piece together the events that transpired. Aaron mentioned that the altercation could have stemmed from something as simple as a personal space invasion.
The Nashville community is left in shock and mourning following the deadly shooting. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to bring justice for the victims and their families.