A man was fatally shot along Charlotte Pike outside La Hispana Bakery on Friday evening, sending shockwaves through the Nashville community. In what appears to be a targeted attack, the victim identified by family members as 35-year-old Noel Cruz was ambushed by multiple gunmen as reported by WSMV. Witnesses and local enforcement detail a chaotic scene, where Cruz, after visiting the bakery, was met with a hail of gunfire upon exiting and attempting to flee.
The incident took place at about 6:21 p.m., as confirmed by Metro Dispatch to WKRN, prompting a swift law enforcement response with the area being cordoned off to conduct a thorough examination. Officers estimate between 20 to 30 shots to have been fired during the assault. Cruz tried to escape across Charlotte Pike but ultimately collapsed and was quickly transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, though his injuries proved tragically insurmountable.
According to NewsChannel5, the attackers arrived in a dark sedan bearing a temporary tag. They reportedly stepped out and began shooting at Cruz and his truck as he left the bakery. His wife was present inside the establishment when the incident occurred, spared the direct witness of her husband’s brutal fate.
