COLUMBIA, Tenn. — A man was injured early Tuesday morning after being shot by a Columbia police officer while walking on Nashville Highway, according to authorities.
The incident occurred around 1 a.m. between the 1500 and 1700 blocks of Nashville Highway. Police were dispatched following reports of a suspicious male walking in the roadway and attempting to approach passing vehicles.
Upon arrival, officers encountered the man armed with a handgun. According to a press release from the Columbia Police Department, officers spent approximately 10 minutes attempting to convince the man to stop and drop his weapon.
Despite repeated commands, the man continued walking southbound, weaving between the roadway and the median. The officer involved ultimately discharged their weapon as the man approached the more populated 1500 block of the highway, aiming to “stop the advancement and threat,” the release stated.
The man was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he underwent surgery. His current condition has not been disclosed.
No officers were injured during the encounter. The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave with pay, a standard procedure while investigations are underway.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has been called in to assist with the inquiry. The shooting prompted the temporary closure of Nashville Highway between Carters Creek and West Burt Drive, though the roadway has since reopened.
Authorities have not released any additional information as the investigation continues.
