NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A man accused of a violent assault on a disc golfer at Shelby Park has returned to Nashville to face charges of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury.
Vanell Coble, 28, allegedly attacked the victim while he was playing disc golf in November. The altercation escalated when Coble tried to take the victim’s disc, leading to a confrontation that turned physical. According to police reports, Coble brandished a knife during the argument.
In response, the victim retrieved a sledgehammer from his truck and warned Coble to back off. However, Coble reportedly ignored the warning and proceeded to physically assault the victim, resulting in severe injuries including two black eyes, a broken nose, a broken orbital socket, a broken blood vessel in one eye, and a potential tooth injury.
Despite the severity of the assault, the victim was able to identify Coble as the suspect. Coble was apprehended in Franklin, Tennessee, and has since been transferred into Nashville custody for prosecution. As of Saturday, he is being held on a $10,000 bond.
Coble’s violent actions have not only left the victim with significant injuries but have also raised concerns about safety in public parks. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining peaceful and respectful interactions within shared recreational spaces.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the assault or has information regarding the incident to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community is hopeful that justice will be served and that measures will be implemented to prevent similar acts of violence in the future.