A harrowing altercation inside a Walmart in Clarksville on Christmas Eve escalated into gunfire, leading to the hospitalization and charging of 19-year-old Labron Gibson. According to the Clarksville Police Department (CPD), the incident, which occurred at around 12:45 p.m., began with an argument between two individuals that turned violent at the Fort Campbell Boulevard location.
Gibson is now facing four counts of aggravated assault, Clarksville Now reports. Having been identified as the primary aggressor by investigators after he brandished a firearm, Gibson was subsequently shot multiple times by the other individual who was apparently acting in defense of his family, the CPD announced.
The store was quickly evacuated amidst panic and confusion while the shots rang out, setting off alarms and prompting a swift response from the CPD and deputies from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. As they arrived on the scene, officers ensured the immediate safety of the public by securing the premises, a strategy that confirmed the shooter was not active inside the store. "This is not an active shooter situation," CPD spokesman Officer Scott Beuabien clarified, urging any witnesses or those with information to contact the police.
Currently hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, Gibson self-transported to Tennova Healthcare post-shooting and later, was transferred to Nashville. According to the authorities, upon discharge, Gibson will be taken into custody at Montgomery County Jail, WSMV reports. Following the chaos, the Walmart store remained closed for an undetermined period while law enforcement conducted their investigation.
While details of the case are limited due to pending prosecution, the Walmart corporation stressed its commitment to customer safety in a statement saying, "The safety and security of our customers is our top priority." They deferred all further inquiries to the local law enforcement presiding over the active investigation. Anyone with further information on the incident is encouraged to come forward and contact Detective Hauser at 931-648-0656 ext. 5630, WKRN reports.
