MADISON, Tenn. (WTVF) — A Metro Nashville Police officer has been shot in the leg while attempting to arrest a murder suspect in Madison on Monday afternoon.
We received the body camera footage of the incident, which you can watch below. Note: the sound does not start until about 30 seconds into the clip, and you will hear several gunshots and screaming — use discretion.
What happened?
Police were looking for Miqueal Williams, 31, at Skyline Ridge Apartments. They found Williams in the passenger seat of a car there, approached, and told him to put hands up. Instead, Williams opened the door of the car and came out with a semi-automatic pistol. Williams started firing and hit Detective Carlos Diaz in the leg.
Another Detective on scene, Joseph Gonzales, approached the open driver's side door of the car Williams was first in during gunfire and fired at Williams through the open passenger door, hitting him in the hip.
Both Diaz and Williams were treated at Skyline Medical Center. Diaz has been released, according to police.
Who were the officers involved?
Diaz is a law enforcement veteran who transitioned his career to Nashville from the New York City Police Department in November 2022. Detective Gonzales is a law enforcement veteran who transitioned his career to Nashville from the Fullerton, California Police Department in October 2021.
"Fortunately, both are going to be OK," Chief Drake said in a press conference. "We just pray for the officer, and it's fortunate this is not much worse."
Both are on routine administrative assignment as the shooting investigation takes place, according to officials.
Who is Miqueal Williams?
"We wanted to be able to focus on the most violent individuals and not harm the community anymore than necessary. We had an officer shot at two weeks and the officer didn't return fire, and we were able to take the suspect into custody. That's what they were doing today. This individual was wanted for a million bond for homicide," Drake said.
Williams was indicted with a first-degree murder charge in the shooting of Samual Edwards Jr., 32.
Edwards was killed on March 4 at an apartment complex on Buena Vista Pike.
"We look at people who are given a great opportunity to live in affordable housing. But as people come from other areas, they are the ones who can make it bad. The individual didn't live here. Now, we have this incident. These are good communities. We just have to work on making it safe."
Watch spokesperson Don Aaron and Metro Police give an update on the shooting in the presser below.
It’s a sad reality that area animal shelters and non-profit rescue organizations face constant overcrowding -- with so many dogs, cats and other animals waiting for a forever home. Jason Lamb reports here that Metro leaders are working with those groups – including Critter Cavalry – to find solutions. I’ve fostered a dog from Critter Cavalry, so I understand the need is great. And I found my pup Domino through another local group, Proverbs Animal Rescue. Ultimately, it starts with all of us. Getting more dogs and cats spayed or neutered can help control the pet population – and ease the burden.
-Rhori Johnston
