Police seek ID for suspect who knocked two men out on Broadway

Metro Nashville Police are asking the public to help identify a man who allegedly knocked two pedestrians unconscious in separate attacks on Broadway on Monday, Oct. 12.

Surveillance video shows the suspect approaching an 80-year-old man and striking him to the ground outside Kid Rock’s Honky Tonk. Police said the older man spent four days in the intensive care unit at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He was released with a brain bleed and fractured ribs.

Earlier that same night, the suspect allegedly knocked a 48-year-old man unconscious as the victim walked past him on Broadway. Both victims are from out of state. Neither realized they had been assaulted by another person until days later. The 48-year-old believed a car or scooter had hit him from behind, while the 80-year-old thought he had hit his head on an object, according to a police spokesperson.

Local private security guard Josh Phillips said he has encountered the suspect before while working security in downtown Nashville. Phillips does not know the man’s name but described previous interactions. “He’s assaulted a couple guys on the street while we’ve been bouncers,” Phillips said. He recalled one incident where the suspect followed an intoxicated couple and became aggressive. Phillips said he had to use pepper spray after issuing warnings. “It came to a point where he got really aggressive,” Phillips said. “I gave every warning to not have to use my pepper spray. But at a point, you have to do what you gotta do.”

Phillips said he is concerned that violence in downtown Nashville affects the city’s reputation with visitors. “I believe it’s got a lot worse,” he said. “Why, I cannot tell you, but it’s definitely seen an uptick in violent crime.”

Metro Police stated that no similar random attacks have been reported on Broadway since the Oct. 12 incidents. Anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information should call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.