NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Recent shootings in the Napier area have left residents on edge, with the sound of firecrackers on Monday sparking fear among children who mistook the noise for gunshots. The community has been reeling from four separate incidents that claimed the lives of three men since last Thursday.
Sheree Alexander, a Napier resident, expressed her exhaustion with the ongoing violence, stating, “It’s killing and killings left and right, and there are still people on the streets.” The most recent shooting occurred on Sunday evening, resulting in an 18-year-old sustaining a gunshot wound to the leg. Despite the injury, the victim is expected to survive, with no arrests having been made in connection to the incident.
Just hours prior, a man walking on Lewis Street was fatally shot while carrying a gun, but authorities have yet to identify either the victim or the shooter. On Saturday, another fatal shooting took place on Charles E. Davis Boulevard, where 23-year-old Edrick Doak turned himself in after shooting 29-year-old Bryan T. Lewis in self-defense, according to Doak’s account. Lewis succumbed to his injuries after being transported to a nearby hospital.
The string of violence began on Thursday when 30-year-old Timothy Gibbons Jr. allegedly shot and killed his family friend, Alan Howard, following an argument. Gibbons was taken into custody and charged with criminal homicide. Rita Cairo, a long-time Napier resident, lamented the loss of potential for greatness due to the violence in the area, expressing concern for the safety of younger relatives during the day.
Residents have mixed opinions on the effectiveness of increased police presence in Napier, with some advocating for interventions geared towards the younger generation to address the root causes of violence. One neighbor emphasized the importance of engaging with older individuals in the community to foster understanding and calm tensions.
In response to concerns about security measures, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department stated that they are implementing enhanced precision policing strategies to deter violence in the area. As the community grapples with the aftermath of the recent shootings, residents are hopeful for a more peaceful and secure future in their neighborhood.