Oct. 12 double assault on Broadway leaves 80-year-old with brain bleed

Two men from out of state woke up in hospitals last month after being struck on Nashville’s Broadway, an incident that left an 80-year-old visitor with a brain bleed and fractured ribs. The attacks occurred on Oct. 12, and neither victim realized they had been assaulted by a person until days later.

Police surveillance footage shows the suspect approaching the 80-year-old man outside Kid Rock’s Honky Tonk. The man was struck to the ground and remained unconscious. He was later transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he spent four days in the intensive care unit before regaining consciousness.

Earlier that same night, the suspect allegedly knocked a 48-year-old man unconscious as the visitor walked past him on Broadway. A police spokesperson stated the younger man believed a car or scooter had hit him from behind, while the 80-year-old thought he had hit his head on an object. Both men were unaware of the assault until medical professionals informed them.

Josh Phillips, a private security guard who works downtown, told WSMV he has encountered the suspect previously. Phillips said the man had assaulted other individuals on the street while Phillips and his colleagues were on duty. In one prior incident, Phillips said he had to use pepper spray on the suspect after the man followed an intoxicated couple. Phillips described the suspect as becoming aggressive despite verbal warnings.

Phillips expressed concern that such violence affects the reputation of the downtown area for tourists. He stated, “I believe it’s got a lot worse. Why, I cannot tell you, but it’s definitely seen an uptick in violent crime.”

Metro Nashville Police reported no similar random attacks on Broadway since Oct. 12. The department is asking the public to help identify the man. Anyone with information is directed to call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.