CROSSVILLE, Tenn. — A fatal shooting occurred in downtown Crossville Friday evening, August 22, 2025, directly across from the Cumberland County Courthouse, after what authorities described as a street confrontation that escalated into deadly violence.

According to the Crossville Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 5:42 p.m. to the intersection of North Main Street and Fourth Street following multiple 911 calls reporting a fight in the roadway.

Witnesses told police the incident began as a verbal dispute involving several men, which escalated into a physical confrontation before one of the men retrieved a firearm and opened fire.

Cellphone video taken by bystanders, now in possession of law enforcement, shows a man acting erratically near War Memorial Park shortly before the confrontation began.

Three other men approached him, leading to an altercation in the middle of Main Street.

At one point, one of the men was seen walking away, crossing the street, and returning with a pistol. He then approached the erratic individual, raised the weapon, and fired a single shot to the man’s head.

The victim immediately collapsed to the pavement.

Sources familiar with the investigation have indicated the victim may have been a military veteran, with video footage appearing to show he had a prosthetic leg.

Some witnesses have further alleged that tensions may have arisen because the victim had been making obscene gestures toward flags at War Memorial Park, though these claims have not been officially confirmed by authorities.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) was requested to assist in processing the scene, and Main Street was closed for more than five hours while investigators worked into the night.

Officials have described the shooting as an isolated event and emphasized there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Cumberland County District Attorney Bryant Dunaway confirmed Saturday that multiple videos of the incident are now part of the case evidence.

He also stated that 42-year-old Eric Garrison has been taken into custody and charged with attempted second-degree murder.

The name of the deceased victim has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.

“The circumstances of this case are extremely serious,” Dunaway said, noting that investigators are reviewing all available evidence to determine the appropriate charges moving forward.

Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the shooting or has additional information to contact the Crossville Police Department at 931-484-7231 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 931-200-1173.