Nashville rideshare driver claims self-defense, kills passenger in alleged kidnapping

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — A Nashville rideshare driver is claiming self-defense after shooting and killing a man he says kidnapped him at gunpoint.

Metro Police report 44-year-old Davin Campbell called 911 twice Monday night, first saying that he had been kidnapped by someone in his vehicle and secondly that he had shot a man who robbed and kidnapped him.

Campbell told the 911 dispatcher during the second call that he was at the intersection of Herman Street and 16th Avenue North after shooting 23-year-old Kyrin Gardner.

When officers arrived, Gardner was found unconscious on the ground at the intersection, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He died at the scene, police add.

Officers also found a loaded pistol on the sidewalk near Gardner and Campbell’s pistol in the driver’s seat of his vehicle.

Campbell fully cooperated with Homicide Unit detectives and provided a detailed statement at police headquarters, Metro Police report.

He said while giving Gardner a ride to a public housing area, he became agitated, pulled out a gun and started making threats.

Campbell first called 911 around 10 p.m. Monday from the 1100 block of Broadway. The call disconnected before the dispatcher was able to obtain additional information. Campbell then called 911 again at 10:14 p.m. after he had shot Gardner.

The shooting location is only 0.2 miles away from Fisk University’s campus in West Nashville.

Campbell was released after giving his statement. This is an ongoing investigation.

Findings will be staffed with the District Attorney’s Office at the end of the investigation.