NASHVILLE, TN – A young man lost his life in a drive-by shooting after being targeted in a rideshare vehicle on Interstate 65 in Nashville on Saturday. Authorities reported the 26-year-old victim, Stephen Rouse III, succumbed to his injuries at TriStar Skyline Medical Center, as stated by the Metro Nashville Police Department.
The investigation began when the authorities were alerted to a walk-in shooting victim at the Dickerson Pike hospital at around 3:11 p.m. The Uber driver, who transported the wounded Rouse to the medical center, was also present at the scene.
Investigating officials learned that the shooting had taken place after Rouse was picked up from Citi Trends on Clarksville Pike. Reportedly, a white Nissan Maxima, initially spotted with its headlights on outside Citi Trends, followed the Uber carrying Rouse onto Rosa Parks Boulevard and continued trailing them until the I-65/24 split.
The driver delved deeper into the incident, recounting how the Nissan Maxima occupants shot at the Uber, fatally wounding Rouse in the backseat. Despite the gunfire, the driver continued on I-65, whereas the shooters in the Maxima sped off onto I-24 West. Taking this into account, the Metro Nashville Police Department briefly closed the interstate on Saturday to find the shooting spot.
As the police continue with their investigations, they are appealing to the public for any leads on the Nissan Maxima or details about the shooting. Anonymous tips about the incident can be submitted to Crime Stoppers, and tipsters might be eligible for a $5,000 reward for any useful information.