First responders were dispatched to a shooting that killed one person and injured as many as seven more at a Salemtown restaurant on Easter Sunday afternoon, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department.
MNPD spokesman Don Aaron said the incident started during Sunday brunch at Roasted Salemtown, 614 Garfield St., when two men got into an argument. One man pulled out a gun, fired multiple shots and fled the scene. The person who was fatally shot is believed to be the other man in the altercation, Aaron said.
Five other people were shot and suffered non-life-threatening injuries, he said. A sixth person suffered a graze wound, though it is not clear if the wound was caused by a scratch or a bullet, Aaron said.
The seventh victim, a pregnant woman, was transported to a hospital after suffering a panic attack, he said.
Aaron said the business has very clear surveillance footage and police are asking for the public’s help in finding the shooting suspect. They are also working to determine what sparked the argument, he said, adding that the gunman possibly arrived just minutes before the incident.
“We don’t have any indication that they knew each other at this point,” Aaron said. “It could be something as simple as one person invading another person’s space.”
MNPD Commander Anthony McClain said there have been no prior issues with the establishment and that this was an isolated incident. Detectives from MNPD’s Titan Unit, which specializes in finding shooting suspects, were on the scene and out in the field investigating, Aaron said.
“They’re very good at what they do,” he said. “There’s a lot of work being put in right now to try to locate this man.”
Earlier in the afternoon, police said in a statement that the “Gunman fled in this Mercedes GLS 450.”
Police asked the public to call 615-862-8600 with any information.
The scene at the restaurant, where the Salemtown and Germantown neighborhoods converge, was surrounded by yellow caution tape Sunday afternoon.
Police and fire both received calls about the shooting at 3:03 p.m. Medical responders were also called.
A group of mothers in a nearby playground said they were watching children when about eight gunshots rattled the neighborhood.
“Everyone was grabbing the children and running or dropping on the ground,” said Dia Settle. “I got waves of chills because I could tell someone was hurt, just from the sound and that many gunshots.”
Settle said patrons in the restaurant, dressed in Sunday Easter clothes, rushed into the street, crying and screaming. She heard one person shout “breathe!” to someone on the ground.
A barrage of ambulances took away multiple victims, they said, including a pregnant woman.
A neighbor, who asked not to be named, said he came outside after hearing the shots and saw a man walking away from the coffee shop with his young daughter. They were both crying and shaken.
The neighbor said the man told him that he had been inside with his daughter dancing when two men began arguing and one pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots.
Roasted hosted a brunch event earlier on Sunday with a DJ and dancing.
The Roasted Salemtown website says the restaurant is co-owned by Ericka Fizer-Harvey (known as Chef E) and Will Radford.
“Get ready for an unapologetic and authentic black experience that shines through in our soulful dishes, genuine hospitality, and thoughtful care,” the website says. “Our menu is a blend of tradition and innovation, delivering flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy. From classic favorites to exciting twists, each bite is a journey to the heart and soul of our culture. Our friendly staff is here to treat y’all like family, going the extra mile to make sure your time with us is unforgettable.”
The Roasted Salemtown story says the goal has been to create a space where the community can come together.
“This ain’t just about a meal, it’s about creating a safe haven where community thrives, love is in the air, and good times are shared,” the website says. “We believe in a world where food ain’t a struggle or scarce, but a chance to build togetherness.”
Roasted Salemtown was once called The Local Distro. But Radford and Fizer-Harvey teamed up and changed the name.
The restaurant is a popular spot for weekend brunch with patrons lining up each Saturday and Sunday. The chef, he said, is respected in the neighborhood and known for her homestyle dishes.
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