Local
Atlanta man dies after downtown Nashville bar altercation; no arrests announced
Torey Ward, 45, died after a fight outside Big Shotz on 2nd Avenue North early Sunday, police say. Investigators are preparing the case for the District Attorney’s Office, which will decide whether charges are warranted.
A 45-year-old Atlanta man died after a fight outside Big Shotz, a bar on downtown Nashville’s 2nd Avenue North, early Sunday, according to Metro Nashville police. No arrests had been announced as of Monday, and the investigation remained ongoing.
Police identified the man as Torey Ward. Investigators say the dispute began inside the bar after Ward stepped away to use the restroom and his girlfriend began dancing with another man. Police say Keith King Jr. argued with Ward, and both men were told to leave. The confrontation turned physical outside.
Police said King told them he placed Ward in a chokehold because he feared for his safety. A witness described seeing Ward knocked unconscious and choked. A person who spoke with local television station WSMV also said Ward’s girlfriend was attacked during the incident. Police have not announced charges or publicly detailed the evidence supporting either account.
Ward died shortly after the fight, police said. The case is expected to be sent to the Davidson County District Attorney’s Office for a decision on whether charges will be filed.
The death has renewed concerns among some people who work and spend time downtown about safety and police visibility. Metro police said the department’s Entertainment District Unit patrols the downtown corridor from Thursday night through Sunday night, and that officers rely on bar security staff to alert them when problems arise. Police said they have not received many calls involving Big Shotz.
Downtown worker Shawn Neilsen said he would like to see more officers in the area, saying he believes the police presence is more visible on Broadway. Big Shotz management declined to be interviewed.