NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A 43-year-old domestic violence suspect was shot in the leg by a Metro Nashville police officer Wednesday night in North Nashville.
Officers were called to a home on Owen Street at about 9:00p.m.
According to Metro Police, a 12-year-old boy called 911 when his father pushed his mother down 12 brick stairs outside their home, then forced her into a car. The boy reported that his 6-year-old sister and 4-year-old brother were also at home at the time.
Officers Melissa Flores and Chase Harriman responded to the call, according to Metro Police public affairs.
"When officers got into this neighborhood, they found the car, which was still driving through the streets here," said Don Aaron of the Metro Nashville Police Department's public affairs unit. "They attempted to stop it, the car actually pulled over and stopped in front of the house on Owen."
Officers said 43-year-old Sekou Allen got out of the driver's side of the car and came at them aggressively. One of the officers attempted to subdue Allen with a taser, but reported that it didn't have an effect on him.
As Allen was coming toward the officers, Metro Police said Officer Harriman slipped on some gravel in the driveway of the home. He fell on his back.
"He reports as he was down on his back, Allen came at him and was about to pounce on him." said Aaron. "Officer Flores fired her pistol one time at Allen, striking him in the upper leg."
Allen was taken to the hospital, where Metro Police said he was in stable condition. Investigators said an arrest warrant is being obtained for Allen, who is expected to be charged with domestic assault after his discharge from the hospital.
Officer Flores was also taken to be checked out at the hospital.
At this point, investigators said they are looking into what led to the violence.
"We are not completely sure at this point what the catalyst was for the violence between this couple that escalated into the lady being pushed down the brick steps," said Aaron. "But, during this time when everybody has been together, we have heard reports of domestic violence helpline calls significantly increasing."
Police at the scene reported the victim in the domestic assault suffered scrapes but didn't require hospitalization.
According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, Officer Flores has been with the department for four years, and Officer Harriman has been with the department for two years.
Metro Police said the investigation into the officer-involved shooting is continuing.
If you or someone you know is in a domestic violence situation, there is help available. The YWCA of Nashville and Middle Tennessee has a 24-hour hotline that you can call at 1-800-334-4628. Or, you can text (615) 983-5170.
