On Monday morning at 5:36am the Coffee County Communication Center received a 911 call from an open cell phone. They summoned the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department to report to Interstate 24 around mile-marker 101. When a deputy arrived, he began speaking to the occupants of a Chevrolet Avalanche. During that time 25 year-old Jose Luis Garcia of Nashville pulled out a handgun and shot himself. The bullet apparently traveled through Garcia and struck two occupants inside the vehicle. The injured females were taken to the hospital for treatment of their non-life threatening injuries.
After speaking to witnesses, it was learned the Garcia had allegedly held the 5 occupants at gunpoint for around 6 hours.
Garcia was on parole for aggravated robbery, but there was an active parole violation.
Coffee County Sheriff Steve Graves says the investigation is continuing and more information will be released when deemed necessary.
If any citizen saw anything that occurred during this time on Interstate 24 (Midnight till 5:30am Monday morning) that could help authorities please contact the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department at (931) 728-3591.
