In a heartbreaking incident on Easter Sunday, a dispute at Roasted, a popular coffee shop in Nashville’s Salemtown neighborhood, escalated into gunfire, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. The Metro Nashville Police Department reported the devastating event, which has shaken the local community and prompted a manhunt for the suspect.
According to police spokesperson Don Aaron, the altercation began between two men during brunch hours at Roasted. The situation rapidly deteriorated when one of the individuals, later identified as 33-year-old Allen Beachem, was fatally shot. The gunman, after firing multiple rounds, fled the scene in a Mercedes GLS 450, leaving behind a scene of chaos and fear among the patrons.
The suspect, 46-year-old Anton Rucker, is currently at large. Rucker, a convicted felon with a history of violent offenses and recent arrests on felony narcotics and gun charges, is considered dangerous. The Nashville Police have urged the public to come forward with any information that could lead to his apprehension.
In the wake of the shooting, five other individuals sustained gunshot wounds, though their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. A sixth person received a graze wound, and the specifics of their injury are still under investigation to determine if it was caused directly by a bullet. Adding to the chaos, a seventh victim, a pregnant woman, was hospitalized following a panic attack triggered by the incident.
Eyewitnesses near a playground close to the coffee shop recounted hearing eight gunshots that disrupted the peace of the Easter celebrations, causing panic among children and adults alike. The aftermath saw frightened customers spilling onto the streets, a stark reminder of the violence that had just unfolded.
The Metro Nashville Police Department is working diligently to track down Rucker and bring him to justice. In the meantime, the community mourns the loss of Allen Beachem, whose untimely death has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him.
As the investigation continues, authorities have called on anyone with information about Rucker’s whereabouts or the incident to contact the police. This tragic event underscores the urgent need for addressing gun violence and ensuring the safety of public spaces, as the community seeks solace and answers in the aftermath of the Easter shooting at Roasted Salemtown.
