An 18-year-old suspect, Marquise Johnson, has been detained after being accused of shooting at a security guard in a Southern Broadway (Sobro) neighborhood parking garage in Nashville. According to WSMV, the incident transpired early on May 20 when the guard encountered a group allegedly breaking into cars and fired upon after confronting them. Johnson has since been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and is currently held on a $100,000 bond.
The altercation took place on the south side of the Second Avenue Sobro parking garage, where surveillance footage captured the group and the subsequent gunfire. Although several shots were reportedly fired, the guard was fortunate enough not to have been struck. Fox17 notes that the police have positively identified Johnson after recognizing him from the surveillance camera footage thanks to his distinctive blue and yellow hooded sweatshirt. Efforts to quickly identify the remaining suspects involved in the case are ongoing.
Further details reveal that, as per the arrest report, the security guard was patrolling the garage when he heard glass breaking. "He could hear the bullets flying past him," the guard told officers after shouting at the individuals to stop when he discovered them trying to break into vehicles. The report, which names Johnson as the one who discharged the weapon, adds to our understanding that the incident did not result in any physical injuries but certainly endangered the life of the security employee. This information is corroborated by WKRN, confirming that the attack was captured on a camera within the garage showing Johnson with a gun in his hand as he and the other suspects fled.
Residents with information concerning the identity of the additional suspects are encouraged to immediately contact Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. The arrest of Marquise Deon Johnson marks a significant development in the case, signaling also the intent of MNPD to urgently apprehend all individuals responsible for this criminal act to try and prevent further such incidents from happening in Nashville's parking structures.
