Homicide Unit Leading Investigation into Self-Defense Claim Involving Critical 5:20 a.m. Shooting on Bell Road

Homicide Unit detectives are leading the investigation into the 5:20 a.m. critical shooting of a 35-year-old man in a strip business center in the 400 block of Bell Road.

The victim has a very critical head wound and is hospitalized at Vanderbilt.

The 31-year-old man who admits responsibility for the shooting told detectives that the man he shot was armed with a gun and was attempting to rob him in the parking lot. He said he encountered the man a short time earlier inside a Hookah Lounge in the strip center, where the 31-year-old said the man asked to buy cocaine. The 31-year-old said he told the man he didn't use narcotics and left.

After the shooting, the 31-year-old drove away from the scene (said he was concerned for his safety) and was stopped by officers in the 600 block of Bell Road about three minutes away. He said he was going back to the scene to meet with officers when he was stopped.

Two guns were recovered. One at the shooting scene and one from the 31-year-old's car.

The self-defense claim remains under investigation. No charges have been placed.