Updated with new information from police.
CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – So far, police have released little information about gunfire this week on Clarksville’s highways, citing that the incidents are still under investigation.
Police did say Friday that the incidents were not random. “In both cases, the victim was targeted,” said Clarksville Police spokesman Scott Beaubien. “However, there was collateral damage to other motorists in both incidents.”
Police tied the incidents to a recent rise in guns being stolen from unlocked vehicles.
“The weapons and vehicles taken during these types of crimes are the very weapons and vehicles being used in other violent crimes here and in cities across Tennessee and this nation,” Beaubien said.
Charger shot up on Wilma
At about 3:15 p.m. Wednesday, someone in another vehicle fired at least 18 rounds into a red Dodge Charger on Wilma Rudolph Boulevard. The Charger crashed into a Jeep Cherokee at Holiday Drive, and the Jeep crashed into the truck in front of it.
Friday evening, police said there was a gunshot victim, and that person was in the hospital in critical condition.
Shortly after the shooting, police spotted the suspect vehicle on Bauling Lane, in the Singletree subdivision off of Whitfield Road. The suspects fled the vehicle. A perimeter was set up, and residents were told to stay inside and lock their doors, but apparently, the suspects fled the neighborhood.
Witnesses later reported seeing a gray or black pickup truck being loaded onto a trailer and removed from the area, but police have not confirmed whether that was the suspect vehicle.
Police have not said how many suspects remain at large or released a description of them.
Friday evening, police said the suspects remain at large.
Gunfire on 101st Parkway
The next afternoon, Thursday at about 3:20 p.m., people in one vehicle shot at another vehicle on 101st Airborne Division Parkway near Peachers Mill Road.
No vehicle descriptions have been released by CPD, other than that they were both “dark-colored vehicles.” There have been no reports of injuries, but several individuals said their vehicles were hit.
Police have not said how many vehicles were damaged.
“There was a lot of confusion regarding the shooting on the 101st, and investigators are still trying to determine who is a suspect, victim or witness,” Beaubien said Friday evening.
Ongoing investigations
These are active and ongoing investigations, and anyone with video surveillance footage or information on either incident is asked to call 911.
“The safety of the citizens has always been a top priority for the Clarksville Police Department,” Beaubien said. “Detectives and officers are working diligently to identify the individuals involved.”
Rise in gun thefts from cars
In responding to questions about the gunfire, Beaubien connected the incidents to the rise in gun thefts from vehicles. So far this year, he said, Clarksville Police have responded to:
- 418 reports of burglary from vehicles.
- 328 reports of stolen vehicles.
- 64 weapons stolen from vehicles or left inside a vehicle that was stolen.
“This is only the data from Clarksville, every city and county in this state is dealing with the same type of crimes,” Beaubien said.
Most of the vehicle burglaries involved vehicles that were left unlocked, with the key or key fob left inside.
“The man-hours and resources needed to respond, write the report, and investigate these types of crimes, which in most cases are avoidable and preventable, detract from the day-to-day operations of the Clarksville Police Department,” Beaubien said. “The time spent on these calls for service could be utilized elsewhere. This is why we have continued to push the ‘Park Smart’ message.”