Man Arrested After Allegedly Following People with Machete in South Nashville
Nashville, TN – A man has been taken into custody after a harrowing incident where he allegedly followed people with a machete in a South Nashville parking lot. The event unfolded on the evening of August 12, 2024, around 8:30 PM, near the busy intersection of Murfreesboro Pike and Thompson Lane.
Details of the Incident
According to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), officers received multiple calls reporting a man, later identified as 43-year-old David Cole, who was reportedly wielding a machete in the parking lot of a local gas station. Upon arrival, officers noticed Cole appeared to be sweating profusely and was indeed holding onto a machete. Witnesses reported that he was acting aggressively, allegedly throwing merchandise at store employees.
Police Response
When the police arrived at the scene, they attempted to communicate with Cole, but he refused to comply with their commands. Officers were concerned for public safety, and after attempting to settle the situation, they resorted to using a taser to subdue him. Police suspected that Cole was under the influence of narcotics, which may have contributed to his erratic behavior.
Prior Incidents
The situation was compounded by reports of Cole being involved in several other incidents earlier that night. Police discovered that he had been driving a maroon Chrysler van that crashed into utility poles along Thompson Place. Luckily, in one of these incidents, he narrowly missed hitting a civilian on Murfreesboro Pike.
Earlier that same day, Cole made a troubling call to emergency dispatch, claiming he had been shot and was heading to Summit Hospital for treatment. However, when officers followed up at the hospital, staff had no record of anyone walking in with a gunshot wound. This raised further questions regarding Cole’s mental and physical state throughout the evening.
Charges Filed
Following the incident, Cole was taken into custody and booked at Metro Jail, where a blood draw was conducted at Nashville General Hospital. As a result of his actions and the ensuing investigation, he is facing a series of serious charges, including:
- Two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
- Making a false report to police
- Aggravated reckless driving
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Driving under the influence
- Resisting arrest
- Failure to file a report of an accident
Cole is currently being held on a bond set at $84,000, as the court looks to further investigate the events of that evening. The whole situation has left local residents shaken, and authorities are advising anyone who may encounter similar behavior to report it immediately.
Community Reaction
Local businesses along Murfreesboro Pike are expressing concern about safety in their area, especially given the aggressive nature of Cole’s actions. Many store owners and employees are now taking additional precautions to ensure their safety and that of their customers. Community leaders are calling for increased surveillance and support from local law enforcement to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As Nashville continues to grow as a vibrant and lively city, incidents like these remind residents of the importance of staying vigilant and looking out for one another. Authorities encourage anyone witnessing unusual or threatening behavior to reach out for help promptly, thus contributing to the overall safety of the community.
As the investigation continues, updates on Cole’s court appearances and further details on any additional charges will be monitored closely. This unsettling incident serves as a stark reminder about the complexities of public safety and the challenges that come with maintaining peace in urban environments.
