Fatal Shooting at Cookeville Shopping Center Leaves One Dead; Investigation Ongoing
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — One man is dead following a shooting that took place Friday night, April 11, in the parking lot of a busy shopping center on South Jefferson Avenue, according to a statement from the Cookeville Police Department.
Authorities confirmed that officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 7:57 p.m. after receiving a call reporting gunfire in the parking lot of a commercial area located in the 700 block of South Jefferson Avenue. The location is home to several businesses, including a popular axe-throwing bar, which was operating at the time of the incident.
Upon arrival, responding officers discovered 34-year-old Ashton Bohannon suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel were quickly called to the scene and transported Bohannon to Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Despite efforts by hospital staff, he was later pronounced deceased.
In a swift response, Cookeville Police confirmed that a 22-year-old male suspect was detained at the scene shortly after the shooting. As of the time of this report, the individual has not been formally charged, and police have not yet released his identity.
Investigators have been actively working the case since Friday night. The Cookeville Police Department stated that detectives are currently interviewing witnesses and gathering surveillance footage from nearby businesses to piece together the events that led to the deadly encounter. While the motive remains unclear, officials emphasized that the investigation is in its early stages and ongoing.
“The Cookeville Police Department is committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation,” said a spokesperson for the department. “We are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that could be relevant to the case.”
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information that could assist investigators is urged to contact the Cookeville Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 931-520-5322.
The fatal shooting has shocked many in the community, especially those who were visiting the shopping center at the time of the incident. Several patrons of nearby establishments reported hearing multiple gunshots, followed by a rapid police response.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to release further details, including potential charges, autopsy results, and any findings that may clarify the relationship between the suspect and the victim, if any.
Cookeville residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.