A nearly nude gunman killed at least four people at a Waffle House restaurant near Nashville, Tennessee early on Sunday and then fled after a patron saved lives by wrestling the assault-style rifle from his hands. The suspected shooter, identified by authorities as Travis Reinking, 29, was still at large and murder warrants were being issued for him, the Metropolitan Nashville Police said. Reinking, of Morton, Illinois was believed to live near the restaurant. The gunman’s vehicle was registered to him and a shirtless man wearing pants believed to be Reinking was spotted in woods nearby, police said.
The gunman, who was naked but for a green jacket, first shot and killed two people in the parking lot of the restaurant in Antioch, a section of southeast Nashville, shortly before 3:30 a.m. (0830 GMT). He then entered the restaurant and opened fire, police said, killing one patron and wounding another, who later died. One diner, named by local media as James Shaw Jr., 29, who had hidden near the restrooms, dashed out and pulled the rifle from the gunman.
“The shots had stopped so he decided to rush the gunman, actually wrestled that assault rifle away, tossed it over the counter and, at that point, the gunman fled,” said police spokesman Don Aaron. Shaw’s fast actions were credited with saving lives, but in an interview with the Tennessean newspaper he dismissed the idea that he was hero. “It feels selfish,” said Shaw, who added that he had been getting a snack with friends after a fraternity house party. “I was just trying to get myself out. I saw the opportunity and pretty much took it.”
Search continuing for accused quadruple murderer Travis Reinking. More than 80 MNPD officers are joined this evening by our partners from the THP, FBI & ATF. See Reinking? Please call 615-862-8600 immediately. One of his guns, a pistol, remains unaccounted for. pic.twitter.com/RELswfuFc8
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) April 22, 2018
Investigation on going at the Waffle House. Scene being processed by MNPD experts. This is the rifle used by the gunman. pic.twitter.com/lihhRImHQN
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) April 22, 2018
This is a very sad day for the Waffle House family. We ask for everyone to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts and prayers.
— Waffle House News (@WaffleHouseNews) April 22, 2018
