Nashville police shot armed man wanted for kidnapping, assault in Hermitage

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Metro Nashville Police Department confirmed officers shot and killed a man Thursday in the Hermitage area.

The incident happened at 128 Summit Run Place. Police officials said officers fired on Mark Capps, a 54-year-old armed man, who was wanted on two counts of aggravated assault and aggravated kidnapping warrants involving his wife and stepdaughter. They fled the home this morning, police said. NewsChannel 5 has learned Capps is a well-known music engineer. Capps has worked with Alabama, Ronnie Milsap, Shenandoah, Amy Grant, Brooks & Dunn, Blake Shelton, Big & Rich, and other big names according to his discography.

In the video, officers shoot through the screen-glassed door at Capps after they ask him to show his hands. It takes less than a handful of seconds for officers to shoot Capps and kill him.

Capps started threatening his wife and stepdaughter at 3 a.m. The two were awakened and brought to the family room at gunpoint.

"He told them if they called someone, he would kill them," police spokesperson Don Aaron said. "They were extremely frightened by him and his actions toward them in not letting them leave."

Aaron said Capps was throwing things about their home and threatening the two with the gun and not letting them leave. After sunup, Capps fell asleep. The two victims fled the residence and went to the Hermitage precinct. Officers took statements in detail and placed warrants against Capps. The warrants were issued around 1:55 p.m. when the police SWAT team was alerted of the situation and his access to firearms.

"Just after the arrest warrants were issued, SWAT was preparing in the event he barricaded himself inside," Aaron said. "He came to the door with a gun in hand. At that point, he was fatally shot. We have since learned there were cameras monitoring the outside of the home. He may have well seen them outside the residence. They were in SWAT gear and clearly marked to him as members of the police department."

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is looking into the shooting.

"TBI agents are working to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews," officials said in a statement. "Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the district attorney general for his further review and consideration. The TBI acts solely as fact-finders in its cases and does not determine whether the actions of an officer were justified in these types of matters. That decision rests with the district attorney general requesting TBI’s involvement."

No officers were injured, according to police.

The Metro Nashville Community Oversight Board said they were reviewing the incident.

"Anytime there’s a loss of life of an individual during an encounter with MNPD it is a tragedy," the board said. "The MNCO team reviewed the body-worn camera footage but still have many questions related to how this encounter ended the life of Mr. Capps."