29-year-old James Shaw Jr. saved the day at a Waffle House in Nashville, Tennessee Sunday morning, according to police. The man known as the Waffle House Hero took down a shooter who had opened fire at the Waffle House and saved numerous lives.
When Shaw Jr. noticed he had a chance to take down the shooter, he didn't hesitate. The gunman had entered the restaurant wearing only a green jacket. He took off the jacket and opened fire, completely naked. He killed four and injured three more before an unarmed Shaw Jr. was able to take him down and get the gun away from him.
This is the Waffle House hero, James Shaw Jr. He tackled the shooter and saved so many lives in the process. Thank you James. And thank you TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center for your wonderful doctors and nurses who quickly took care of his injuries. pic.twitter.com/kKORfI24G1
— Eugene Gu, MD (@eugenegu) April 22, 2018
During an interview with WBIR 10 News, Shaw Jr. said, “I was just trying to get myself out. I saw the opportunity and pretty much took it. I don’t know if it has hit me yet as far as witnessing other people dying. It’s kind of, it shouldn’t have happened. When I was in the ambulance to hospital, I kept thinking that I’m going to wake up and it’s not going to be real. It is something out a movie. I’m OK though, but I hate that it happened.”
The shooter has been identified as Travis Reinking. He is a 29-year-old from Morton, Illinois. He was able to excape the scene and remain on the loose.
Luckily Shaw only suffered some abrasions and an injured elbow. He was treated and then released at a local hospital.
BREAKING: Travis Reinking, 29, of Morton, IL, is person of interest in Waffle House shooting. Vehicle the gunman arrived in is registered to him. Gunman last seen walking south on Murfreesboro Pike. He shed is coat and is nude. See Reinking? Pls call 615-862-8600 immediately. pic.twitter.com/duoWCo5fC0
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) April 22, 2018
Investigation on going at the Waffle House. Scene being processed by MNPD experts. This is the rifle used by the gunman. pic.twitter.com/lihhRImHQN
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) April 22, 2018
When talking to reporters Sunday morning, MNPD spokesman Don Aaron called Shaw Jr. a "hero."
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