A 17-year-old is in serious condition after being shot by a 20-year-old during an alleged robbery outside a Nashville market near Percy Priest Lake. Police are still investigating the incident, and no charges have been filed yet.

NASHVILLE, TN (1-minute read) — A 17-year-old is currently in serious condition after being shot during a robbery outside a market near Percy Priest Lake in Nashville. Authorities responded to the incident Monday night on Smith Springs Road, according to the Nashville Police Department.

The altercation began when a 20-year-old man, who was with his girlfriend at the time, was walking toward his pickup truck after leaving the market. The man told police that the 17-year-old approached them, brandished a firearm, and robbed them. After the teen walked away, the man retrieved a rifle from his truck and shot the teen, believing he was reaching for his gun once more, police said.

Law enforcement later recovered a 9mm pistol from the teen’s clothing, supporting the man’s claim that the 17-year-old was armed during the encounter. After firing the shot, the 20-year-old collected his belongings, which had allegedly been taken by the teen, and left the scene. The rifle used in the shooting was turned over to the police by the 20-year-old’s mother, who had contacted an officer familiar with the family.

It is extremely important to remain at the scene, if safe to do so, until police arrive. Leaving can cast doubt on a self-defense claim, and should be avoided unless your life remains in danger.

Although no charges have been filed against the 20-year-old at this time, the case remains under review by the Davidson County District Attorney’s Office. The investigation will likely focus on whether the shooting can be classified as self-defense under Tennessee law.

Self-defense laws in Tennessee generally allow individuals to use deadly force if they believe they are in imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm, but each case must be thoroughly examined based on its unique facts.

Safety Tip: Always remain aware of your surroundings and understand local self-defense laws to ensure your actions are legally justified in a life-threatening situation.