Suspect Arrested in Road Rage Shooting Involving Nashville Judge

Nashville, TN – Arrest Made in Road Rage Shooting Case Involving Judge

In a significant development, the Metro Nashville Police Department announced on August 30, 2024, that a suspect has been arrested in connection with a road rage shooting that occurred last September. The incident targeted the vehicle of Davidson County Chancery Court Judge I’Ashea Myles on Interstate 440 West.

Details of the Incident

The shooting took place on the evening of September 8, 2023, as Judge Myles was driving her Toyota Prius. Around 8:50 p.m., the judge’s car was attacked by a white sedan, which reportedly came up on the left shoulder of the interstate and then swerved into her lane. As the driver of the sedan slowed down, shots were fired at the passenger side of the Prius. Judge Myles escaped the incident relatively unscathed, suffering only minor injuries from broken glass. In contrast, her friend, a 25-year-old woman who was sitting in the front passenger seat, was hit by bullets in the hand and leg, requiring hospitalization at Vanderbilt, though she has since been discharged.

Community Response

Following the incident, Judge Myles expressed her gratitude towards the community, offering thanks to friends, family, and local authorities for their support during a challenging time. In a statement, she highlighted the community’s generosity and remarked, “We are deeply saddened and angered by this senseless attack and hope those responsible are caught and brought to justice.”

Arrest of the Suspect

Almost a year after the shocking event, police have arrested David J. Bush, a 23-year-old man, believed to be the gunman. Bush has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment related to this shooting. The arrest was made possible through a combination of ballistic evidence and cell phone data, linking him to the crime.

Connections to Previous Incidents

Authorities uncovered that Bush was also connected to a previous road rage incident that occurred on February 10, 2023, where shots were fired from a white Nissan sedan into another vehicle. Fortunately, no one was injured in that incident. The police investigation revealed that the same weapon used in the shooting involving Judge Myles was also fired in the earlier incident.

Police Commitment to Safety

Nashville Police Chief John Drake stated that the apprehension of suspects who engage in violent behavior is a top priority for the police department. He emphasized the importance of using technology and scientific methods to keep the community safe.

Legal Proceedings and Charges

The indictment against Bush, returned by the Davidson County Grand Jury, includes two counts of attempted first-degree murder, six counts of aggravated assault, and one count of reckless endangerment. He also faces an additional count for his connection to the February shooting. Following his arrest, the court set a $500,000 bond for Bush.

Previous Legal Troubles

At the time of his recent arrest, Bush was already out on a $125,000 bond stemming from another road rage incident earlier in 2023. In that occurrence, a 55-year-old man was critically injured when he was shot in the head on Murfreesboro Pike. Bush allegedly admitted to behaving recklessly to follow a girlfriend who was in another vehicle.

Community Safety Concerns

As this case unfolds, residents of Nashville are left grappling with concerns surrounding road rage incidents and gun violence. Local community leaders and citizens alike are hopeful that this arrest will provide a sense of safety and order on the streets of Nashville.

Next Steps in the Case

This story is still developing, and more details about the investigation and the upcoming legal proceedings are expected to emerge in the coming days. The dedicated efforts of law enforcement, as well as the resilience of the community, remain strong in the face of these troubling events.

For now, residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities as they work together to ensure safety within the community.