CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – An Army veteran put himself in harm’s way to protect himself and the victim of the Jan. 28 Dodge’s gas station shooting when he pulled out a Glock and fired at the suspects.
The new information surfaced this week during the preliminary hearing for two men arrested in the shooting at Dodge’s gas station that claimed the life of a 29-year-old man.
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On the morning of Jan. 28, Clarksville Police responded to a shots fired call at Dodge’s, 1504 Fort Campbell Blvd., where Jarlen Corbin, 29, was found with multiple gunshot wounds. Based on surveillance footage, officers believed there would be more victims.
Shortly afterward, two men, Otis Barnes, 21, and Maleike Hamlin, 28, arrived at Tennova Healthcare-Clarksville with gunshot wounds and were transferred to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.
Veteran fires back
During the preliminary hearing on Tuesday, the bystander told the court he had stopped at the gas station that morning to fill up his tank and grab a breakfast biscuit. He said he has a concealed carry permit and kept a licensed Glock 43x on his person.
As the veteran walked back to his vehicle, three people opened fire, shooting at Corbin, who had just returned to his vehicle at the gas pumps. The veteran said he quickly reacted by withdrawing his pistol and firing four to five rounds each at two of the shooters. He said he could tell he hit them as they scrambled back to their vehicles and drove away before he retreated back to the store and told employees to call 911.
First responders began life-saving measures on Corbin, and paramedics arrived to take the victim to the hospital, where he died from his injuries.
The veteran peacefully surrendered to CPD officers. He was read his Miranda rights and taken into custody for questioning, then later released.
Suspects claim self-defense
Hamlin, represented by David Haggard, and Barnes, represented by Jake Fendley, argued that they were acting in self-defense. Though there was surveillance footage of the incident, there was no audio recording, leading to speculation about what transpired.
Fendley argued Corbin had a previous felony and was already breaking the law by having a gun, which was found near his body. The defense said Corbin had flashed his gun at the suspects before he entered the store, where two women who were associated with the defendants were inside.
Haggard said his client didn’t pull out a firearm until Corbin pulled out his.
Judge Sharon Massey Grimes bound the case over to the grand jury for indictment. Authorities believe a third suspect remains at large.