Footage of a man challenging officers in Tennessee has been shared by officials. The man, who was wanted about a recent murder, was fatally shot after he refused to surrender to the police in Nashville. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Tadarius Milan Hunt, was intercepted in an area known as The Gulch.
The incident occurred on the Division Street Bridge, according to confirmation from the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD). Officials claim that when Hunt came into contact with officers, he was carrying a semi-automatic handgun. Bodycam footage shows Hunt jogging along the Division Street Bridge and ignoring the commands of officers. Officers consistently urged Hunt to stop and reveal his hands, according to a report.
Soon after, Hunt approaches an officer, identified as Clayton Lewis. He reportedly withdrew a firearm and opened fire on the officer. Officers shot back, hitting him and causing serious injuries. Hunt was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
During the confrontation, Officer Lewis sustained a leg injury after a bullet grazed him. He was taken to the Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, where he was treated and released.
According to reports, the incident is being probed by the Davidson County district attorney’s office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Multiple witnesses heard the shootout, and others saw it unfold firsthand. A witness told a news reporter that police placed Hunt in handcuffs as soon as he was down and then attempted to assist him. Another witness described the incident as “sad”, expressed remorse for the officer who got injured and wished him well.
Reports say that Hunt, who lived in a nearby flat, reported seeing police attempting to help him.
Hunt is accused of shooting a Nashville Rescue Mission employee several times on Sunday night. After the employee was pronounced dead, Hunt was named a suspect and was wanted for attempted murder. Following the shooting, police launched a search operation to find Hunt.
