Broadway suspect linked to two assaults
Police seek tips on a man who allegedly knocked out two visitors outside a music venue, leaving one hospitalized with a brain bleed.
By Aiko Sato ·
Metro Nashville Police are asking the public to identify a suspect who allegedly knocked two men unconscious in separate attacks on Broadway. The department released surveillance footage showing the individual striking an 80-year-old victim to the ground outside Kid Rock’s Honky Tonk.
Both assaults occurred on Monday, Oct. 12. Police said the suspect approached the 80-year-old man and hit him. The victim later woke up at Vanderbilt University Medical Center after spending four days in the intensive care unit. He suffered from a brain bleed and fractured ribs.
Earlier that same night, the suspect allegedly knocked a 48-year-old man unconscious as the victim walked past him on Broadway. Neither victim, both from out of state, realized they had been assaulted by another person until days later. A police spokesperson said the 48-year-old thought a vehicle hit him from behind, while the 80-year-old believed he hit his head on an object.
Josh Phillips, a local private security guard, said he has had past run-ins with the suspect while working downtown. Phillips does not know the man’s name but described a previous confrontation where he had to pepper-spray the individual after the man followed an intoxicated couple.
Phillips said the man became aggressive despite warnings. He said, "I gave every warning to not have to use my pepper spray. But at a point, you have to do what you gotta do." Phillips noted that he has seen an uptick in violent crime downtown, which he believes damages the city’s reputation with tourists.
Metro Police said no similar random attacks have been reported on Broadway since Oct. 12. Anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.
