NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Police have arrested a man accused of stabbing a tourist in downtown Nashville.
The incident occurred on March 31 near the Walk of Fame Park situated in the 120 block of 4th Avenue South, as per court documents.
Officials reported that the victim was with two friends and had walked away to find a bathroom. At this point, 33-year-old Jerald Sanford allegedly approached the victim, asking for money and if he could join the group.
The victim told officers he tried to walk away from Sanford but was followed back to his group of friends.
Authorities stated that Sanford attempted to engage with the group and became increasingly aggressive when they refused and tried to walk away from him.
An arrest report indicates that Sanford walked away from the group but soon returned with a knife and stabbed the victim in the right side of the neck.
Officials said the victim sustained a deep laceration to his neck and was “bleeding profusely.” He was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for treatment.
The entire incident was captured by surveillance cameras in the park, and one of the victim’s friends also recorded part of the incident on a cell phone. In the video, Sanford was heard saying, “I work for Honky Tonk Central!”
However, when investigators spoke with the management at the establishment, they stated that Sanford did not work there, although he frequented the bar.
Police were able to positively identify Sanford as the suspect after reviewing camera footage and comparing it to his previous mugshots.
Sanford was booked into the Metro Jail on Tuesday, May 21. He was charged with attempted criminal homicide and remains jailed on a $502,250 bond.
