A Nashville U-Haul worker has been charged with criminal homicide after allegedly shooting his co-worker dead over a drink dispute.
Devin Rice, 23, was arrested on Aug. 5 following the fatal shooting of Fredrick Lytton, 56, at a U-Haul store on Annex Avenue in Nashville, Tenn., police said.
Lytton died after arriving at Vanderbilt University Medical Center for treatment.
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department said Rice admitted to arguing with Lytton over a drink and then shooting him.
Police accused Rice of pulling out a pistol and shooting Lytton several times during their shift.
Officials said Rice fled the area after allegedly shooting Lytton, but was later apprehended.
Rice was arrested on charges of criminal homicide.
Joshua Houghtaylen, who lives in the area of the shooting, told WSMV that crime is getting worse and putting the onus on the city’s police to act.
“The crime here in Nashville is getting really bad,” Houghtaylen said. “Police need to do a better job at getting the guns off the street because there’s a lot of shootings in Nashville.”
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Jeff Porter, U-Haul area district vice president of Tennessee, addressed the workplace violence.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by what occurred,” Porter said. “Our concern right now is being there to support the victim’s family and our Team Members affected by this tragic event.”
An obituary for Lytton states he’ll be remembered for “his strong spirit, perseverance, and love of life.”
The obituary described Lytton as a dedicated cross-country truck driver who enjoyed the open road, NASCAR, animals, and classic country music.
“Though Fred’s life was taken too soon, his memories and the love he shared with family and friends will remain forever,” the obituary said.
In the viral moment that preceded the arrest, Rice and Lytton were working together at the U-Haul facility when an argument broke out over a beverage, according to police. The dispute escalated quickly. Rice allegedly retrieved a pistol and fired multiple shots at his older co-worker. Lytton was struck several times and later died at the hospital despite medical intervention.
Rice fled the scene after the shooting, prompting a police search that ended with his arrest the same day.
The case has drawn attention to ongoing concerns about gun violence in Nashville.
Rice remains in custody facing criminal homicide charges as the investigation continues.