LA VERGNE, Tenn. (WGNS) — A Rutherford County man was killed Saturday morning after being shot while driving along Interstate 24, triggering a massive law enforcement response and a full shutdown of the westbound lanes for several hours.

The incident occurred around 7:51 a.m. near mile marker 64, close to Waldron Road, just inside Rutherford County. According to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, the victim was driving westbound toward Nashville when the shooting occurred. His identity has not yet been released, pending notification of family.

Initially, officers were dispatched to the scene for a multi-vehicle crash. Upon arrival, it became clear that the crash was linked to a shooting. The Tennessee Highway Patrol, along with local and state authorities, shut down all westbound lanes between Waldron Road (Exit 64) and Old Hickory Boulevard (Exit 62), causing major traffic disruptions for weekend travelers. The closure lasted more than five and a half hours.

A victim was transported to a local hospital. While the Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the man died from gunshot wounds, no further details about his condition at the time of transport have been released.

Investigators were seen combing the scene extensively, covering not only the roadway but also the adjacent grassy areas and tree lines. The scale of the investigation suggests a wide dispersal of evidence.

Authorities have not confirmed whether the gunfire came from another vehicle, the roadside, or the wooded area nearby. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is expected to release a preliminary report detailing those specifics.

Responding Agencies

Multiple agencies assisted in the response and investigation, including:

• Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office

• La Vergne Police Department

• Tennessee Highway Patrol

• Metro Nashville Police and Fire Departments

• Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT)

• Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services

Traffic Detours and Impact

Motorists heading westbound on I-24 were urged to exit at Waldron Road, travel north on U.S. Highway 41 (New Nashville Highway), and re-enter the interstate at Old Hickory Boulevard. Officials warned that congestion in the area could continue into the afternoon hours.

Investigation Ongoing

The case remains under active investigation. Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information to contact Rutherford County Sheriff’s Detective Thomas Burnett at 615-904-3052 and leave a message.

No arrests have been made, and no suspect information has been released at this time.

PREVIOUSLY REPORTED

La Vergne, TN - A major police investigation has brought traffic to a standstill on Interstate 24 westbound around 7:30AM Saturday morning (7/12/2025) after an apparent shooting. Police were called to mile marker 64 to investigate a multi-vehicle crash. However, once on-the-scene it was determined to involve a shooting as well. The incident has triggered full lane closures between Waldron Road (Exit 64) and Old Hickory Boulevard (Exit 62), leaving weekend drivers scrambling for detours. All westbound lanes were shut-down for over five and a half hours. 

The gathering of evidence was a major task, since it covered a sizable amount of land. A victim was transported to a local hospital, however--officials have not released the extent of the person's injuries or their condition. Investigators continue to walk off the interstate and down through the thick grass on the side of the interstate, into the dense tree line. 

The THP's Preliminary Report should indicate whether the shooting was from another vehicle, or from a gunman on the side of the road or in adjacent woods.

Responding Agencies Local and state authorities, including La Vergne Police, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Metro Nashville Police and Fire, TDOT, and the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, have converged on the scene.

Motorists heading westbound on I-24 (toward Nashville) are urged to exit at Waldron Road, turn left onto U.S. Highway 41—also known to locals as New Nashville Highway—and re-enter I-24 at Old Hickory Boulevard. Traffic may remain congested for several hours.

I-24 Reopened around 1:00PM

After almost five and a half hours, the westbound lanes of I-24 near Waldron Road were reopened to traffic. 

Stay Tuned NewsRadio WGNS will provide ongoing updates.