Blab News
Frito-Lay Worker Killed by Stray Bullet at Nashville Sams Club
A stray bullet turned a routine shift into a tragedy when a 55‑year‑old Frito‑Lay employee, Paris Carlock of Murfreesboro, was fatally shot early Sunday morning at a Sam’s Club warehouse on Antioch Pike, near Harding Place, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD). The projectile pierced the club’s metal side wall and struck Carlock in the head while he was working in the chip aisle.
Staff at the store reacted immediately, rushing to Carlock’s side and calling emergency services. He was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries. The MNPD confirmed that the shooting occurred outside the warehouse, with the bullet entering through a metal wall, indicating the source was in the surrounding area.
Police activity surrounded the Sam’s Club for several hours, and a portion of the roadway was closed while officers investigated the scene. The MNPD said the incident was linked to an argument that began inside Lavo Lounge, a bar located just down the street. Security removed several individuals from the lounge, and the dispute reportedly continued outside. Shots were heard as multiple vehicles left the area.
"Anyone with information about the gunfire and/or the vehicles involved is asked to call Nashville Crime Stoppers at 615‑742‑7463," the department said. "Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward."
Homicide detectives are now examining the circumstances that led to the shooting. The MNPD has not released any names of suspects or identified the source of the gunfire, and the investigation remains open.
Sam’s Club is a subsidiary of Walmart, operating membership‑only warehouse clubs across the United States. The Nashville location, store #8294, includes a retail warehouse, tire and battery center, and a member fuel station.
The incident adds to a series of gun‑related events in Nashville. In the first quarter of 2026, the city recorded several shootings, including a fatal incident involving a delivery driver and a separate case in which two people were critically injured on Antioch Pike. The MNPD has been working to address gun violence through community outreach and law‑enforcement initiatives.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the hospital where Carlock was treated, is a major medical provider in Nashville. The center’s emergency department handled the transport and initial care before the patient’s condition deteriorated.
Carlock’s death has prompted reactions from local businesses and community leaders. Frito‑Lay, the snack‑food manufacturer that employs the victim, has not released a statement. The MNPD has urged anyone with information to come forward.
The investigation remains open, and the MNPD has not announced any arrests. The department continues to collect evidence, interview witnesses, and coordinate with other agencies.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenge of gun violence in Nashville and the broader region. Local officials have called for increased resources for law‑enforcement and community programs aimed at reducing firearm incidents.
As of now, the case is under investigation, with no further updates from the MNPD. The department has not released any additional details about the source of the gunfire or the identities of those involved.
The body of Paris Carlock was recovered by the MNPD, and the department has not yet released a coroner’s report. The investigation will likely include forensic analysis of the bullet and the weapon used, if identified.
The incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law‑enforcement agencies, community organizations, and residents to address gun violence in Nashville.
The MNPD has reiterated its commitment to transparency and cooperation with the public. The department has also reminded residents that Crime Stoppers remains a confidential resource for reporting information related to the case.
The investigation into the shooting at the Sam’s Club on Antioch Pike is ongoing, and the MNPD has not yet announced any arrests or further details. The department continues to seek information from the public and will provide updates as the investigation progresses.
Staff at the store reacted immediately, rushing to Carlock’s side and calling emergency services. He was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries. The MNPD confirmed that the shooting occurred outside the warehouse, with the bullet entering through a metal wall, indicating the source was in the surrounding area.
Police activity surrounded the Sam’s Club for several hours, and a portion of the roadway was closed while officers investigated the scene. The MNPD said the incident was linked to an argument that began inside Lavo Lounge, a bar located just down the street. Security removed several individuals from the lounge, and the dispute reportedly continued outside. Shots were heard as multiple vehicles left the area.
"Anyone with information about the gunfire and/or the vehicles involved is asked to call Nashville Crime Stoppers at 615‑742‑7463," the department said. "Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward."
Homicide detectives are now examining the circumstances that led to the shooting. The MNPD has not released any names of suspects or identified the source of the gunfire, and the investigation remains open.
Sam’s Club is a subsidiary of Walmart, operating membership‑only warehouse clubs across the United States. The Nashville location, store #8294, includes a retail warehouse, tire and battery center, and a member fuel station.
The incident adds to a series of gun‑related events in Nashville. In the first quarter of 2026, the city recorded several shootings, including a fatal incident involving a delivery driver and a separate case in which two people were critically injured on Antioch Pike. The MNPD has been working to address gun violence through community outreach and law‑enforcement initiatives.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the hospital where Carlock was treated, is a major medical provider in Nashville. The center’s emergency department handled the transport and initial care before the patient’s condition deteriorated.
Carlock’s death has prompted reactions from local businesses and community leaders. Frito‑Lay, the snack‑food manufacturer that employs the victim, has not released a statement. The MNPD has urged anyone with information to come forward.
The investigation remains open, and the MNPD has not announced any arrests. The department continues to collect evidence, interview witnesses, and coordinate with other agencies.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenge of gun violence in Nashville and the broader region. Local officials have called for increased resources for law‑enforcement and community programs aimed at reducing firearm incidents.
As of now, the case is under investigation, with no further updates from the MNPD. The department has not released any additional details about the source of the gunfire or the identities of those involved.
The body of Paris Carlock was recovered by the MNPD, and the department has not yet released a coroner’s report. The investigation will likely include forensic analysis of the bullet and the weapon used, if identified.
The incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law‑enforcement agencies, community organizations, and residents to address gun violence in Nashville.
The MNPD has reiterated its commitment to transparency and cooperation with the public. The department has also reminded residents that Crime Stoppers remains a confidential resource for reporting information related to the case.
The investigation into the shooting at the Sam’s Club on Antioch Pike is ongoing, and the MNPD has not yet announced any arrests or further details. The department continues to seek information from the public and will provide updates as the investigation progresses.
