A heated argument between two U-Haul employees over a beverage resulted in a fatal shooting in Nashville.
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Devin Rice, 23, allegedly gunned down his 56-year-old co-worker, Frederick Lytton, on Aug. 5 during their shift. Police confirmed that Lytton later succumbed to his injuries after arriving at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Rice confessed to shooting Lytton after a verbal altercation over a drink. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department accused Rice of pulling out a pistol and shooting Lytton several times.
Gunman Kills U-Haul Co-Worker Over Drink
Rice allegedly fled the U-Haul store after shooting Lytton, but was later arrested. The 23-year-old gunman faces charges of criminal homicide.
Jeff Porter, the U-Haul area district vice president of Tennessee, called the incident a "tragic event."
"We are shocked and deeply saddened by what occurred. Our concern right now is being there to support the victim's family and our Team Members affected by this tragic event," Porter said in a statement.
Joshua Houghtaylen, who lives in the area, told WSMV that the situation distressed residents.
"The crime here in Nashville is getting really bad," Houghtaylen said. "Police need to do a better job at getting the guns off the street. Because there are a lot of shootings in Nashville."
The fatal shooting at the U-Haul store in Nashville is not the first heated workplace altercation this year.
In May, a detective allegedly pulled his gun on a patrolman for spreading a foul odor through a Myrtle Beach police station by microwaving seafood.
Officials did not confirm whether the firearm was loaded. Still, the over-the-top reaction inspired major consequences.
The quick-tempered detective Michael Debiase, 46, has since been fired. He is facing a federal felony charge for allegedly pointing his firearm at his colleague.
"This incident does not reflect the values demonstrated by the men and women of the Myrtle Beach Police Department every day. However, it does demonstrate our commitment to accountability. And our willingness to address conduct that falls short of our expectations," MBPD wrote in a press release.
Debiase was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Horry County on Tuesday. The 46-year-old was later released without bail, according to public records.
