Police say a South Nashville drug deal involving a 16-year-old spiraled into a parking-lot shootout that left a 19-year-old in the hospital and led detectives to a stash of guns, ammo, and tactical gear hidden inside the family’s home.
The Friday shooting, which officers describe as stemming from a planned meeting at the McMurray Manor apartments, set off an investigation that ended with both the teen and his 36-year-old mother facing charges after a rifle was reportedly found tucked inside an air vent.
Police: Drug meeting turned violent
According to WSMV, investigators say the 16-year-old arranged to meet the 19-year-old in the McMurray Manor parking lot on McMurray Drive for what they describe as a drug-related exchange. That meeting reportedly turned violent when gunfire erupted, sending the 19-year-old to the hospital with serious wounds.
The teen allegedly told officers he fired a pistol only after shots came from the vehicle driven by the older man. As that vehicle sped away, someone reportedly opened fire on it with what police describe as an automatic rifle. Detectives say they are still working to identify the person who fired that rifle.
Weapons recovered at the family home
Officers later focused on the family’s residence on Hasty Drive, where the teen lives. An automatic-style rifle was found inside an air vent, and the teen’s mother told investigators she had stashed the weapon there to keep it out of her children’s reach, according to WKRN News 2.
Investigators also say the mother admitted to taking a pistol out of the SUV the teen had been driving and hiding it under a tarp in the driveway. That move, police say, helped justify a search warrant for the home, where detectives believed more evidence could be tucked away.
Charges and evidence
Once they had the warrant, detectives searched the Hasty Drive home and seized three additional firearms, a federally regulated suppressor, body armor, and multiple rounds of ammunition and magazines, according to WSMV.
Metro police charged 36-year-old Bianca Ramos with evidence tampering and unlawful possession of a machine gun. Her 16-year-old son faces unlawful-possession charges and a driving-without-a-license count. Authorities say more charges could be added as the case develops.
Investigation ongoing
Detectives say they have not yet interviewed the 19-year-old victim because of his medical condition, and they are still trying to track down the person suspected of firing the rifle, as reported by WKRN News 2.
Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the Metro Nashville Police Department. Once detectives finish their work, prosecutors are expected to review the case and determine what additional charges, if any, will be filed.
