Authorities in Nashville are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred early Saturday morning, where a man was killed outside an apartment after allegedly reaching for what turned out to be a BB pistol. The shooter, a 60-year-old resident, claims it was an act of self-defense and has not been charged as the case awaits review by the District Attorney’s Office.

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NASHVILLE, TN (3-minute read) — A fatal shooting in the early hours of Saturday, May 10, is under investigation by the Metro Nashville Police Department, as they evaluate a self-defense claim by a 60-year-old man. The incident occurred around 1:50 a.m. outside an apartment on Tampa Drive in South Nashville.

According to investigators, a 48-year-old man arrived at the apartment and persistently knocked on the door, asking to speak with a woman he knew. The woman’s current boyfriend, a 60-year-old man who lives at the apartment, opened the door and reportedly asked the visitor to leave multiple times.

The situation escalated during the third encounter when a verbal exchange turned into a physical dispute between the woman and the 48-year-old man. The woman’s boyfriend told police that during the altercation, he saw the man reach for something in his waistband. Believing there was an immediate threat, the 60-year-old fired a single shot from his firearm, striking the man.

The firearm used was legally owned, and after the shot was fired, the man immediately called emergency services. First responders arrived quickly, but the 48-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. A BB pistol was recovered from the deceased, raising questions about the perceived threat and the justification of deadly force.

Understanding Self-Defense and Reasonable Force

In Tennessee, self-defense laws allow individuals to use deadly force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to protect themselves or others from imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm. The presence of an object in the waistband, later identified as a BB gun, complicates the investigation but may still support the claim if the perception of a real firearm was reasonable at the moment.

At this time, no charges have been filed. The case remains under review and will be forwarded to the Davidson County District Attorney’s Office for a final decision.

Safety Tip: Always ensure you clearly understand your state’s self-defense laws and the conditions under which using deadly force is legally justified. Proper firearm training can also help you make rapid, informed decisions during high-stress encounters.