A 16-year-old has been detained on a range of charges after a valet was shot outside a Nashville hotel, in what the Metro Nashville Police Department calls a "road rage-related argument." As per authorities, the incident occurred on December 5th when the 26-year-old hotel employee, working at the Virgin Hotels on Music Row, was confronted by the driver of a Kia Optima, leading to the shooting. WSMV reported that after an exchange of words, "the Kia driver pulled a pistol and fired a shot which struck the victim in the left thigh."
The young suspect was arrested on Tuesday night at a North Nashville apartment complex. A key tip that led to his apprehension came from an officer from the Midtown Hills Precinct who realized that the vehicle in question resembled one involved in a separate "porch pirate package theft." The gun, a semi-automatic pistol with a tan extended magazine, which had been reported stolen in November from 4th Avenue South, was discovered in the teenager's backpack, according to FOX 17.
Charges against the teen include attempted criminal homicide, reckless endangerment, gun possession during the commission of a dangerous felony, unlawful gun possession by a juvenile, gun theft, and vandalism. The valet, who suffered a gunshot wound to the thigh, received medical attention at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and is reportedly recovering. Information provided by WKRN noted that this series of charges is being prosecuted in Juvenile Court.
