A 21-year-old Tennessee man has been arrested after police say he opened fire on a vehicle carrying three adults and a child during a road rage incident that allegedly began when another driver backed out of a driveway in front of him.
Clinton Nash has been charged with attempted second-degree murder, employing a firearm with intent to commit a felony, possession of prohibited weapons, and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, according to court records. He is currently being held in the Shelby County Jail on a $150,000 bond.
Road Rage Incident Began While Victim Backed Out of Driveway
According to an affidavit of complaint, the incident occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Saturday in Memphis, Tennessee.
Police said the victim was backing out of his driveway with two other adults and one child inside the vehicle when a red or maroon Ford Focus approached.
Investigators said the victim had not yet shifted his vehicle into drive when the Ford Focus arrived.
After the victim pulled away, the Ford allegedly began following extremely close behind his vehicle as they traveled through the neighborhood.
The victim told police the Ford eventually turned off and sped away, leading him to believe the encounter had ended.
Vehicles Crossed Paths Again
According to investigators, the two vehicles encountered each other again near Cottonwood Road a short time later.
The victim reported that the Ford Focus accelerated and suddenly swerved in front of his vehicle.
As he attempted to pass the Ford, the situation escalated.
The victim told police that he heard someone inside the Ford shout:
“You about to get shot.”
At the same time, the front-seat passenger allegedly leaned out of the vehicle’s window while displaying a handgun.
Passenger Allegedly Opened Fire
At approximately 7:40 p.m., Memphis police officers responded to reports of an aggravated assault in the 4700 block of Cottonwood Road.
According to investigators, the Ford Focus then pulled into a parking lot located near Cottonwood Road and South Perkins Road.
Police allege that Clinton Nash, who was riding in the front passenger seat, got out of the vehicle armed with a Glock pistol.
Authorities say Nash fired multiple rounds toward the victim’s vehicle.
One of the bullets struck the front passenger-side door.
Fortunately, none of the occupants inside the vehicle were physically injured.
Police Say Weapon Was Modified
Investigators reported that the firearm allegedly used in the shooting was a Glock semiautomatic pistol equipped with a conversion device, commonly referred to as a “Glock switch.”
According to police, the illegal device converts a standard semiautomatic handgun into a weapon capable of firing automatically, significantly increasing its rate of fire.
The alleged use of the modified firearm resulted in additional weapons-related charges against Nash.
Investigation Linked Shooting to Road Rage
The Memphis Police Department stated that detectives determined the shooting stemmed from a road rage confrontation.
Authorities did not announce any charges against the driver of the Ford Focus or identify any additional suspects in the incident.
Police focused their investigation on Nash, who they identified as the alleged shooter.
Arrest and Criminal Charges
Following the investigation, officers arrested Nash on Monday.
He now faces the following charges:
- Attempted second-degree murder
- Employing a firearm with intent to commit a felony
- Possession of prohibited weapons
- Reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon
Court records show Nash remains in custody at the Shelby County Jail, where his bond has been set at $150,000.
Court Appearance Scheduled
Nash is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on Thursday as prosecutors move forward with the criminal case.
The allegations against him remain accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
