Clinton Nash, 21, has been charged with attempted second-degree murder after allegedly firing a fully automatic weapon at a vehicle carrying two adults and a child in Memphis, Tennessee, according to court records.
Background
The incident began as a mundane traffic dispute on Saturday evening when the victim was backing out of his driveway in the area of the 3100 block of Arrendale Street in Memphis with two other adults and a child inside his vehicle, an affidavit of complaint obtained by Law&Crime states.
According to the affidavit, as the victim reversed from the driveway, a red or maroon Ford Focus occupied by Nash approached before the victim could shift into drive. The victim told investigators that the Focus "continued to follow extremely close behind them as they drove down the street" before turning and speeding away.
The confrontation apparently resumed moments later when the victim's vehicle encountered the Focus again near Cottonwood Road. The victim stated the Ford Focus "sped up and swerved" in front of him. As he accelerated to pass the other vehicle, the victim reported hearing the other driver say, "you about to get shot" while the front-seat passenger leaned out of the window displaying a firearm.
The Investigation
Memphis Police Department officers responded to an aggravated assault call at approximately 7:40 p.m. on July 11 in the 4700 block of Cottonwood Road. Investigators learned that the incident stemmed from a road rage encounter between the two vehicles.
Police determined that the suspect vehicle pulled into a parking lot at the intersection of Cottonwood Road and South Perkins Road, where Nash allegedly exited the Ford Focus, drew a Glock pistol equipped with what authorities describe as a "Glock Switch" conversion device, and fired multiple rounds at the victim's vehicle. The modification allows a semiautomatic pistol to fire automatically.
Shell casings struck the front passenger door of the victim's vehicle. No injuries were reported from anyone inside the targeted car. Detectives identified Nash through witness statements and vehicle registration information, leading to his arrest on Monday.
Key Takeaways
- Clinton Nash, 21, is charged with attempted second-degree murder in connection with the July 11 shooting in Memphis
- Prosecutors allege Nash used a Glock pistol modified with an automatic conversion device commonly referred to as a "Glock Switch"
- The victim was backing out of his driveway with two adults and a child when the confrontation began
- No injuries were reported despite multiple rounds being fired at the victim's vehicle
- Nash is being held in the Shelby County Jail on $150,000 bond
What's Next
Nash is scheduled to appear in court for an initial appearance. He faces four charges: attempted second-degree murder, employing a firearm with intent to commit a felony, having prohibited weapons, and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to examine the modified firearm and gather additional evidence.
Police have not indicated any other suspects are being sought in connection with the shooting.