Anton Rucker, the suspect accused of fatally shooting one person during Easter Sunday brunch at a coffee shop in Nashville, has a significant criminal record, according to Fox 17.
The Metro Nashville Police revealed that Rucker remains at large and has been added to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s (TBI) Most Wanted list in connection with the incident that claimed the life of 33-year-old Allen Beachem.
Records obtained by Fox 17 show that Rucker has a history of criminal offenses, including several convictions for aggravated assault, evading law enforcement, and drug trafficking.
#UPDATE : The Mercedes was located during the night near 26th Ave N & Jefferson St. Detectives continue working to find Anton Rucker.#Nashville #Shooting #MassShooting #Tennessee #USA #UnitedStates #AntonRucker https://t.co/FjuxVkTNZT pic.twitter.com/yiTPLJOylg
— upuknews (@upuknews1) April 2, 2024
According to a criminal background report from TBI, Rucker’s criminal history dates back to 1997 and includes increasingly serious charges over the years. His most recent arrest occurred in Rutherford County last October, where he faces three counts of drug distribution.
“He has agg assault convictions in Nashville and was arrested in Murfreesboro on felony drug charges last 10/31, and on agg assault and gun charges last August,” stated the Metro Nashville Police Department.
The TBI has issued a warning that Rucker should be considered armed and dangerous, offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to his capture.
Police located the Mercedes believed to be owned by Rucker on Monday morning. However, as of Monday evening, Rucker remained at large.
The suspected gunman, 46-year-old convicted felon Anton Rucker, is still at large. https://t.co/BVzwzOcuyP pic.twitter.com/6BAJNSpceJ
— FoxNashville (@FOXNashville) April 1, 2024
The shooting occurred around 3 p.m. on Sunday when Rucker allegedly opened fire inside the coffee shop, injuring five people and killing Beachem.
“There was an altercation between two men at Roasted. Sunday brunch was being served. During that time period, the altercation occurred and escalated, very sharply, to one of the men pulling a gun and firing multiple shots,” said Don Aaron of the Metro police during a press conference on Sunday.
Roasted Salemtown, the restaurant where the shooting occurred, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and pledged to collaborate with authorities to prevent such violence in the future.
“We stand with Mayor O’Connell, Councilman Jacob Kupin, and the City of Nashville in combating the gun violence in our community. Our Roasted family will continue our commitment to supporting our community and providing an authentic cultural dining experience,” said owner and head chef Ericka Fizer.
