NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A late-night disagreement over a pedicab fare turned deadly early Saturday morning in downtown Nashville, leaving one man dead and another detained as police investigate a possible self-defense claim.
Metro-Nashville Police say the shooting happened around 2:20 a.m. on Rep. John Lewis Way South, near the BetMGM Sports Lounge. The victim, 23-year-old Adrian Rivas-Romo, was shot following a heated dispute that escalated between a group of passengers and two pedicab drivers.
According to investigators, Rivas-Romo and several friends had hired two pedicabs to take them from 2nd Avenue back to their hotel when an argument broke out over the fare. Both pedicabs stopped, and tensions quickly rose.
Police say Christopher Jones, 21, who was driving one of the pedicabs, told the group to get out and refused to continue the ride. Moments later, a physical altercation began. Jones told detectives that he was struck in the back of the head by one of Rivas-Romo’s friends, prompting him to draw his firearm. He claimed that Rivas-Romo then advanced toward him quickly, and in response, he fired a single shot.
Rivas-Romo was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Jones immediately called 911, identified himself as the shooter, and remained at the scene. Police recovered his firearm as evidence.
Metro homicide detectives are continuing to investigate the incident and are consulting with the District Attorney’s Office to determine whether criminal charges will be filed.
The tragedy has left downtown workers and visitors shaken, as the normally lively nightlife district became the scene of yet another senseless act of violence. Authorities urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.