Police said on Sunday that they believe a man with multiple assault convictions is responsible for a shooting that took place at a restaurant on Easter Sunday in Nashville that left one person dead and multiple wounded.
Metro Nashville Police identified 46-year-old Anton Rucker as the suspect for a shooting at the Roasted Salemtown restaurant that killed 33-year-old Allen Beachem and injured seven others. According to police spokesman Don Aaron, the shooting took place after Rucker got into an argument with another man.
“We don’t have any indication that they knew each other at this point,” Aaron said of the two in the argument. “It could be something as simple as one person invading another person’s space.”
Convicted felon Anton Rucker, 46, is being sought for the homicide at Roasted Salemtown. He has agg assault convictions in Nashville & was arrested in Murfreesboro on felony drug charges last 10/31, and on agg assault & gun charges last Aug. See Rucker? Pls????615-862-8600 pic.twitter.com/z3OObFb7r1
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) April 1, 2024
Rucker also allegedly shot five other people who were all taken to local hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries. A pregnant woman was also taken to the hospital as she had a panic attack and a man was treated for a graze wound.
“Convicted felon Anton Rucker, 46, is being sought for the homicide at Roasted Salemtown. He has agg assault convictions in Nashville & was arrested in Murfreesboro on felony drug charges last 10/31, and on agg assault & gun charges last Aug,” Nashville police said.
On Monday, police said that they located a Mercedes that Rucker used to flee the scene in but were still looking for him
A local mother who was with her children at a nearby playground tol The Tennessean that everyone panicked once they heard gunfire.
“Everyone was grabbing the children and running or dropping on the ground,” Dia Settle said. “I got waves of chills because I could tell someone was hurt, just from the sound and that many gunshots.”
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“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this senseless act of violence. We are cooperating and trusting authorities as they continue the investigation of this heinous crime,” Roasted said in a statement after the incident. “Our Roasted family will continue our commitment to supporting our community and providing an authentic cultural dining experience.”
Tennessee lawmakers have been looking at ways to ensure judges are able deny bail for more reasons after a rash of crimes being committed by repeat offenders, especially in the Memphis area.