Eighty-Year-Old Victim With Brain Bleed Prompts Search for Broadway Suspect

Metro Nashville Police are requesting public assistance to identify a suspect who allegedly punched two men, aged 48 and 80, unconscious during separate incidents on Broadway. The department released surveillance footage showing the individual striking the older victim outside Kid Rock’s Honky Tonk. Police stated that the 80-year-old man woke in an intensive care unit at Vanderbilt University Medical Center after spending four days there, where doctors diagnosed him with a brain bleed and fractured ribs.

The attacks occurred on Monday, October 12. Earlier that evening, the suspect allegedly knocked the 48-year-old man unconscious as the victim walked along the street. A police spokesperson noted that both victims were from out of state and did not realize they had been assaulted by a person until days after the incidents. The 48-year-old initially believed a vehicle or scooter had struck him from behind, while the 80-year-old thought he had hit his head on an object.

Josh Phillips, a private security guard who works downtown, told reporters he has encountered the suspect previously while working at various venues. Phillips stated that he does not know the man’s name but has witnessed him assault pedestrians on multiple occasions. "He’s assaulted a couple guys on the street while we’ve been bouncers," Phillips said. He recalled a specific incident where he used pepper spray after the suspect followed an intoxicated couple and became aggressive. "I gave every warning to not have to use my pepper spray," Phillips said. "But at a point, you have to do what you gotta do."

Phillips expressed concern that violent incidents in the downtown area affect the city’s reputation among tourists. "I believe it’s got a lot worse," Phillips said. "Why, I cannot tell you, but it’s definitely seen an uptick in violent crime."

Metro Police confirmed that no similar random attacks have been reported on Broadway since October 12. The department is urging anyone who recognizes the man or has information to call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.