ALMAVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Two people were hurt in a shooting on Interstate 840 on Monday morning.
The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office said the suspect has not yet been caught. The shooting happened near the Almaville Road exit at around 6:30 a.m. The roadway was shut down as they searched for the shooter.
“Two men were struck by gunfire when an unknown individual opened fire on their vehicle as they traveled to a job site,” Detective Captain Todd Sparks said. “The small, black SUV they were traveling in was struck multiple times.”
One of the victims was admitted to a Nashville hospital and the second was treated and released. They told police they believe the suspect was driving a larger SUV, possibly silver in color.
"It’s not like he followed somebody and got off the road and chased 'em down," neighbor Jim Ryan said. "I guess it’s just something that happened at the spur of the moment."
Ryan saw the backup while on his morning walk, but eventually, the roadway reopened.
"I just felt bad for the people who were stuck," Ryan said. "Everybody’s just sitting there."
Law enforcement noted the victims were heading west towards Franklin.
"Just crazy," Ryan said.
Alex Hornback was working nearby. "It is shocking," Hornback said.
While deputies said motive is unclear, he wouldn't be surprised if it was road rage. "It’s not meant to be that way, it’s meant for really self-defense, and that is not an instance where self-defense is needed," Hornback said.
Anyone who saw the shooting is asked to contact Detective Jamin Humphress at 615-904-3054 and leave a message.
"If they’re fugitives, they’re not going to be hanging around, they’ve caused enough problems," Ryan said.
People may also call Crime Stoppers at 615-893-STOP (7867) between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
