NASHVILLE, Tenn. — An armed man with a criminal history allegedly terrorized customers inside a laundromat in East Nashville on Tuesday, Feb. 4. The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) responded to reports of a man carrying a firearm at the laundromat located on Dickerson Pike.
The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Michael Gaines, was apprehended by officers after it was confirmed that he had a gun in his pocket. While an employee at the laundromat told News 2 that she did not personally see the weapon, she confirmed the man’s disruptive behavior, describing how he harassed customers, yelled obscenities, and caused a scene.
According to the employee, Gaines became aggressive with a male customer, and tensions escalated when he reportedly pulled a gun on the man, demanding money. The situation grew even more tense when Gaines allegedly demanded money from a young mother who was at the laundromat with her three children. The mother, who faced a language barrier, did not fully understand Gaines’ threats. She explained to law enforcement that she had already placed her money in the machine and had no extra cash.
Witnesses said that Gaines grew enraged when he was not given money, shouting at the woman and brandishing a firearm. Fearing for her own safety and that of her children, the mother quickly gathered her kids and fled to the bathroom to hide until the police arrived.
The laundromat employee recalled seeing the frightened children, who were approximately one or two years old, along with the mother. The frightening scene left customers shaken, with many expressing concern that a public place like the laundromat could be disrupted in such a dangerous manner.
Gaines, who has a criminal history that includes convictions for aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, and cocaine possession, was reportedly released from state custody in 2019. Authorities said he is now facing multiple felony charges, including aggravated robbery, theft of a firearm, possession of a firearm with intent to commit a dangerous felony, and possession of a firearm as a felon.
As of Wednesday, Feb. 5, Gaines was being held at the Downtown Detention Center on an $88,500 bond. The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the charges against him.
The disturbing incident has left many questioning how an individual with such a violent history could be out in the community, causing chaos and fear in a place where people expect to go about their daily routines.
