NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Tadarius Milan Hunt, a 29-year-old man wanted for attempted murder in connection with the shooting of a Nashville Rescue Mission employee, was killed Monday morning in an officer-involved shooting on the Division Street Bridge in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Hunt had been a fugitive since Sunday afternoon, after allegedly opening fire on the employee who had barred him from the mission property earlier that day. The shooting marks the tragic culmination of a tense, hours-long search that ended in gunfire between Hunt and Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) officers.

The Crime: Attempted Murder at Nashville Rescue Mission

The sequence of events leading to Hunt’s death began on Sunday, May 11, 2025, when the Nashville Rescue Mission employee, whose identity has not been disclosed, reportedly denied Hunt access to the facility. The employee had earlier informed Hunt that he was no longer welcome at the mission, a common practice in many such facilities when individuals are barred for behavioral reasons. However, the situation escalated quickly when Hunt allegedly became enraged and fired several shots, injuring the employee. Thankfully, the employee’s injuries were non-life-threatening, but the incident was serious enough to prompt an immediate search for Hunt.

Hunt, who was wanted on charges of attempted criminal homicide, went into hiding following the shooting. The police quickly launched a manhunt, with officers focusing their search in areas around downtown Nashville, including homeless camps where Hunt had previously been seen.

The Search: A Tense Monday Morning

For nearly a full day, Metro Nashville Police Department officers searched the city for Hunt. Their efforts were concentrated on downtown Nashville and the surrounding areas, where Hunt had been known to frequent. Officers also checked several homeless encampments, hoping to find any leads on his whereabouts. Hunt’s fugitive status and the seriousness of the crime made his capture a priority for local law enforcement.

Around 11 a.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025, Hunt was spotted at the Frugal MacDoogal’s liquor store, a well-known establishment in the downtown area. It was there that Hunt’s fate would be sealed.

The Confrontation: Gunfire on Division Street Bridge

When officers from the MNPD arrived at the scene of the liquor store, they attempted to stop Hunt, directing him to surrender. Hunt, however, did not comply with the officers’ orders. Instead, he produced a semi-automatic pistol, prompting a tense confrontation between him and law enforcement.

Photos released by the MNPD showed the weapon Hunt used in the altercation, a semi-automatic pistol that he reportedly aimed at officers. In response, an exchange of gunfire took place between Hunt and the police. During the gunfire, Hunt was struck and later transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead from his injuries.

Officer Injured: Officer Clayton Lewis Grazed in the Leg

The gunfire exchange also resulted in injuries to one of the responding officers. MNPD Officer Clayton Lewis, a 9-year veteran of the force, was grazed in the leg by a bullet during the confrontation. The officer was immediately treated at a nearby hospital for the gunshot wound but is expected to be discharged later the same day. Officer Lewis’s injury, while serious, was non-life-threatening, and the department expressed relief that he would make a full recovery.

“The entire MNPD family is grateful that Officer Lewis’s injuries were not more severe,” said Police Chief John Drake in a statement. “Our officers put themselves at risk every day to protect this city, and we are thankful for their service and bravery.”

Hunt’s History and Motive: A Dangerous Escalation

At 29 years old, Tadarius Milan Hunt had been involved in several criminal activities before the events that led to his death. According to law enforcement sources, Hunt had a history of violent offenses, although the details of his prior criminal record remain unclear. His decision to escalate a dispute over being barred from the Nashville Rescue Mission into an act of attempted murder was both shocking and tragic. Hunt’s confrontation with the MNPD was equally violent, highlighting a pattern of dangerous behavior that ultimately led to his death in the officer-involved shooting.

The shooting of the Nashville Rescue Mission employee was just the latest in a series of violent events involving Hunt. While the employee’s injuries were non-fatal, the act itself was a serious escalation from what might have initially seemed like a standard confrontation. The fact that Hunt returned to the city’s streets armed and willing to engage with law enforcement shows a deepening sense of danger that led to the tragic culmination on Monday morning.

Community Impact: The Fallout from the Shooting

The events surrounding the death of Tadarius Milan Hunt have raised several important questions about gun violence, law enforcement response, and the challenges of addressing criminal behavior in communities with limited resources. The shooting of the Nashville Rescue Mission employee and the subsequent officer-involved shooting have underscored the volatility of situations involving armed suspects, and how quickly such events can escalate.

The shooting has sparked conversation across Nashville about the broader implications of violent crime in the city. Law enforcement officials are urging citizens to report any information that could help prevent further incidents like this one. “If you see something, say something,” Police Chief Drake stated. “We rely on our community’s support to prevent these kinds of tragedies, and we must all work together to keep our streets safe.”

The community’s response to the shooting has been mixed, with some expressing relief that Hunt is no longer a threat, while others have called for more effective methods of addressing the root causes of violent crime. Many local advocates for criminal justice reform have pointed to the need for more community-based solutions to address the underlying issues that contribute to violence in neighborhoods like the one where Hunt had lived.

In the wake of the incident, local organizations are rallying around the family of the Nashville Rescue Mission employee, offering support and assistance as the individual continues to recover from the injuries sustained in the shooting. Community leaders are also calling for increased efforts to protect vulnerable individuals, especially those in shelters or facilities that provide essential services for those in need.

The Role of Law Enforcement: A Growing Focus on Officer Safety

Officer Clayton Lewis’s injury in the exchange of gunfire has also brought attention to the safety of law enforcement officers in high-risk situations. With more incidents of gun violence and suspect confrontations happening across the nation, police departments are focusing more on how they can protect their officers while still maintaining effective responses to dangerous suspects.

“Officer safety is paramount in every situation, and we take every precaution to ensure that our officers are properly equipped and prepared,” said Chief Drake. “We also rely on our officers’ training and experience to make the right decisions under extremely difficult circumstances.”

The MNPD has emphasized the importance of continuing to provide its officers with advanced tactical training and the necessary tools to handle high-stakes situations like the one that occurred on the Division Street Bridge. The department’s review of the shooting will likely involve assessing how its officers responded to the confrontation with Hunt, and whether any improvements can be made to protocols regarding dangerous suspects.

The Broader Implications: Addressing Gun Violence in Nashville

The death of Tadarius Milan Hunt and the shooting of the Nashville Rescue Mission employee come amid a troubling rise in gun violence in Nashville and other U.S. cities. In recent years, Nashville has seen an uptick in violent crime, especially in areas plagued by poverty, substance abuse, and gang activity. Law enforcement agencies are increasingly under pressure to address these challenges while maintaining public trust and ensuring the safety of both officers and residents.

The city of Nashville has taken steps in recent years to address gun violence, such as investing in community outreach programs, enhancing patrols in high-crime areas, and increasing cooperation between local police and federal agencies. However, many in the community feel that more needs to be done to tackle the root causes of crime, such as poverty, inadequate education, and lack of mental health services. These issues often lead to a cycle of violence that becomes increasingly difficult to break.

For now, law enforcement in Nashville continues to grapple with the consequences of an incident that left one officer injured and another person dead. As investigations continue, the city remains focused on improving both its crime prevention strategies and its response to dangerous situations, while ensuring that officers are well-equipped and prepared to handle increasingly volatile encounters.

The End of a Violent Standoff

The tragic end of Tadarius Milan Hunt’s life on May 12, 2025, marks the conclusion of a violent standoff between him and law enforcement. Although Hunt’s death removes a dangerous individual from the streets of Nashville, it is a reminder of the volatile nature of criminal activity and the high risks that come with law enforcement’s job. While the officer involved in the shooting is expected to recover, the emotional and psychological toll on both the police and the community will continue to resonate long after the incident is over.

Conclusion: A City in Reflection

The events surrounding Tadarius Milan Hunt’s death are a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of violent crime. As Nashville continues to mourn the tragic loss of life, both the community and law enforcement agencies are left to reflect on the lessons learned from this tragic event. The conversation about gun violence, criminal justice reform, and community safety is more important than ever as cities like Nashville continue to navigate the challenges of ensuring public safety while protecting the rights of all citizens.

The investigation into the officer-involved shooting remains ongoing, but for now, the city of Nashville looks to heal from a tragedy that serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities of crime, law enforcement, and public safety.