Drivers on Interstate 24 experienced delays yesterday, as all westbound lanes near La Vergne were shut down for hours following a deadly shooting incident, the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office confirmed the situation and the subsequent traffic diversions. According to Fox 17, the incident occurred around 7:50 a.m. near the Waldron Road exit and prompted a multi-agency response, including the Metro Nashville Police and Fire Departments, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and the La Vergne Police Department.
The closure began around 8:30 a.m., with traffic diverted at Waldron Road, leading to bottlenecks and delays that continued until the road reopened shortly after 1 p.m. The traffic redirection, which lasted nearly five hours. According to updates from Erin Zeigler, a regional communications officer for the Tennessee Department of Transportation, the road was initially not expected to reopen until 2 p.m. However, clearance occurred earlier than anticipated.
A man from Rutherford County died while driving, and his identity has not yet been released, pending notification of his family. According to a statement provided to The Tennessean, authorities noted the seriousness of the situation and confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.
The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office is requesting assistance from the public in connection with the ongoing investigation. Individuals with any relevant information are asked to contact Detective Thomas Burnett at 615-904-3052.
