Police: Man intentionally drove semi into East Nashville Aldi

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) —

UPDATE: Sept. 17, 2026, 9 a.m.

WATCH BELOW: Semi crashes into Aldi in East Nashville

Police say the driver of the semi-truck intentionally drove into the East Nashville Aldi early Thursday morning.

According to an arrest affidavit, 34-year-old Kristofer Scruggs admitted to officers that he intentionally drove the truck and trailer into the store. Officers said they observed no signs of impairment, and Scruggs denied having suicidal or homicidal thoughts.

Police estimate damage to the truck, trailer, store, aisles and merchandise is more than $250,000. Scruggs was arrested and charged with felony vandalism involving more than $250,000 in damage.
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Earlier Today

A semi-truck crashed through the entrance of an Aldi grocery store along Gallatin Avenue in East Nashville just after midnight Thursday morning.

The 18-wheeler's cab detached from the trailer and continued into the store.

Aerial video from Sky 5 at 6 a.m. showed the trailer was lodged into the doorway of the store after hitting the store awning.

Metro Police said the driver, who stayed at the scene, was taken into custody after he was evaluated for injuries. Officials have not said what caused the driver to crash into the building.

Police said the store was closed at the time of the crash, and no employees were inside.

Crews were busy Thursday morning unloading items from the trailer as they prepared to remove it from the store.

It's unclear when the store may reopen to customers.

Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at Megan.Scarano@NewsChannel5.com

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Our viewers are the best! When Hannah McDonald highlighted the plight of Serenity Sumler, so many of you immediately stepped up. Serenity stopped to help a driver after spotting a wreck and was hit by another car, resulting in terrible injuries. Without the funds to pay for physical therapy, she was at a loss. Because of the kindness of others - she now can rehab and get back to school. Best of luck to her as she trains to become a chef!

- Carrie Sharp