Fugitive Anton Rucker, accused of a deadly shootout in a Nashville eatery, has ditched his fight against extradition from Kentucky. Rucker, 46, is set to be shipped back to face the music for the murder of Allen Beachem, 33, following his no-contest to extradition proceedings yesterday afternoon, confirmed by officials.
Beachem's killing took place Sunday afternoon at Roasted restaurant on Garfield Street, where Rucker allegedly also injured six others. Rucker, whose past is tarred with aggravated assault convictions, is no stranger to the justice system, ironically now thrust into the spotlight as the alleged perpetrator of yet more violence. Additional charges for the injuries sustained by other patrons in the bustling eatery are anticipated as the investigation unfolds.
The Nashville Metro Police Department (MNPD) TITANS Unit moved swiftly to trace Rucker, pinpointing him by Tuesday night at a Princeton, Kentucky residence with help from an alliance of law enforcement, including the Pennyrile (Kentucky) Narcotics Task Force and U.S. Marshal's Fugitive Task Force. Officials said Rucker was apprehended without incident as he stepped out of the home following their orders, marking the end of a multi-state search.
Prior run-ins with the law paint a picture of a man continually at odds with the world around him. Last year, Rucker faced charges for aggravated assault and unlawful gun possession by a felon, and was caught up once again on felony drug charges by Halloween. Despite his extensive record, Rucker had been out on bond for these recent charges before the current accusation took him back behind bars, once again raising questions about the intersection of criminal justice and public safety.
