A South Nashville budget hotel turned into a crime scene Thursday after a man was riddled with bullets and the suspected gunman was arrested later the same day, police said.
The victim, who had been shot multiple times, called 911 himself and reported he was driving toward TriStar Southern Hills. Officers ultimately found him at 510 Recovery Road with one bullet that shattered his femur and another that passed through his left bicep. Nashville Fire Department medics took him to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Witnesses at the hotel identified 55-year-old John Denton as the shooter, and he was taken into custody on felony charges a short time later.
According to WSMV, Metro Nashville police were called to the WoodSpring Suites on Metroplex Drive around 11:40 a.m. The Nashville listing on WoodSpring Suites confirms the address as 515 Metroplex Drive. An arrest affidavit states the victim told dispatch he had been shot and was headed to TriStar Southern Hills before officers intercepted him on Recovery Road and had him rushed to Vanderbilt.
Suspect's record
Davidson County court records show Denton has a lengthy history in local courts, with case entries stretching back to 1989, according to Davidson County court records. The online case search lists numerous closed matters and prior felony convictions, outlining a criminal record that spans decades.
Charges and next steps
Per WSMV, Denton was booked Thursday evening on attempted homicide, reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm as a felon and possessing a gun with intent to commit a felony. His bond was set at $270,000. Investigators said they recovered two shell casings in the hotel's parking lot and continue to work the case while prosecutors determine formal charges.
