34-Year-Old Ashton Bohannon Killed in Cookeville Shopping Center Parking Lot Shooting; 22-Year-Old Suspect Detained
Cookeville, Tenn. — A tragic and senseless act of violence claimed the life of 34-year-old Ashton Bohannon in the parking lot of a shopping center on South Jefferson Avenue Friday night, setting off an ongoing investigation by the Cookeville Police Department. Authorities reported that officers were called to the scene at approximately 7:57 p.m. on April 11, 2025, following reports of a shooting in the area. The shooting occurred outside a business housing an axe-throwing bar located in the 700 block of South Jefferson Avenue.
Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement found Ashton Bohannon, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical teams quickly transported Bohannon to Cookeville Regional Medical Center, where, despite the best efforts of healthcare professionals, he was later pronounced dead.
The incident led to the swift detention of a 22-year-old male suspect at the scene. However, as of now, the Cookeville Police Department has not filed any formal charges against the suspect, and the investigation is still in its early stages. Detectives are actively interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence to piece together the events leading up to the fatal shooting.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has relevant information to come forward and contact the Cookeville Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 931-520-5322.
Background of the Incident and Location Details
The shooting took place in a busy shopping area on South Jefferson Avenue, a stretch of road that houses several businesses, including the axe-throwing bar, which serves as a popular entertainment venue in the area. The parking lot, where the shooting occurred, was likely busy at the time, given that Friday evenings are typically busy for local businesses, including those offering evening entertainment options.
The Cookeville Police Department’s immediate response highlights their focus on the seriousness of the situation, as multiple officers arrived at the scene in a timely manner. Upon their arrival, they discovered Bohannon’s injuries and quickly began securing the area, which included interviewing witnesses and collecting physical evidence from the scene. Local authorities are working diligently to determine what led to the violent altercation, though at this time, details remain scarce.
Victim Profile: Ashton Bohannon
Ashton Bohannon, the 34-year-old victim in this case, was a well-known individual in the community. Friends, family, and acquaintances have expressed deep shock and sadness over his untimely death. Descriptions of Bohannon paint him as someone who was active in the local scene and known for his friendly demeanor and willingness to help others. Those who knew him have taken to social media to share their condolences and to honor his memory, with many describing him as a cherished member of the community.
While the details of his personal life remain private, early reports indicate that Bohannon had recently been involved in the local nightlife scene, possibly frequenting the area where the shooting occurred. The exact circumstances of his presence in the parking lot during the shooting are still under investigation, but authorities are working to determine whether he was targeted or if the shooting resulted from an altercation that escalated.
The Suspect: 22-Year-Old Male in Custody
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Cookeville Police Department detained a 22-year-old male at the scene. While no charges have been filed against the suspect at this point, the fact that he was apprehended by law enforcement suggests he may have been involved in the altercation that led to Bohannon’s death.
The name of the suspect has not been released by authorities as of the latest reports, and the investigation remains active. Cookeville Police are likely working to determine the relationship, if any, between the victim and the suspect. Whether the shooting was the result of a personal dispute or a random act of violence remains unclear, and the ongoing investigation aims to provide answers to these critical questions.
Law Enforcement’s Response and Investigation
Upon receiving the call regarding the shooting, the Cookeville Police Department responded quickly, dispatching officers to the scene of the incident at the shopping center’s parking lot. Given the seriousness of the situation, police secured the area and began their investigation immediately.
Detectives are working to piece together the events that led up to the shooting, including conducting interviews with witnesses and reviewing any available surveillance footage from nearby businesses or cameras in the area. Authorities are also in the process of gathering forensic evidence to determine the exact sequence of events leading to Bohannon’s death.
At this time, the Cookeville Police Department has not publicly stated whether they believe the shooting was a result of a targeted attack or whether it was a random act of violence. The fact that a suspect was detained at the scene suggests that authorities are considering a variety of possible motives and scenarios. Law enforcement continues to encourage any individuals who may have information about the shooting to come forward, as even the smallest details could prove crucial to the investigation.
Community Impact and Public Reaction
The shooting has shocked the Cookeville community, with many residents expressing disbelief that such an incident could happen in their town. Cookeville is known for its close-knit, small-town atmosphere, and violent crimes like this are rare. The local community has been quick to rally around Bohannon’s family, offering condolences and support as they navigate the aftermath of this tragic event.
Social media has been filled with tributes to Bohannon, with friends and family sharing memories of the victim and expressing their grief. Many people have shared how much he meant to them, and some have used the platform to raise awareness about the senselessness of gun violence. The local authorities have urged the public to remain patient as they work through the investigation, and they have promised to provide further updates as more information becomes available.
Local businesses, particularly those in the vicinity of the shopping center, have also expressed their shock and sympathy over the shooting. Several have issued statements on social media, offering support to the victim’s family and urging anyone with information to come forward. The business community has called for peace and calm, emphasizing that this type of violence is not representative of the values that their town holds dear.
Investigating the Role of the Axe-Throwing Bar
The shooting occurred in close proximity to a business that includes an axe-throwing bar. While it is unclear whether the establishment was involved in any way with the events that led to the shooting, the nature of the business could suggest that the area was particularly busy that evening. Axe-throwing bars, which have gained popularity in recent years, often attract groups of people looking for a fun, competitive environment. However, tensions can sometimes run high in such settings, and it is possible that the incident began within the bar before spilling out into the parking lot.
Authorities have not indicated whether the shooting was related to activities inside the axe-throwing bar or if the two individuals involved in the altercation knew each other beforehand. Investigators are continuing to explore all possibilities, including whether alcohol or other factors may have contributed to the violence. The business may also have surveillance cameras that could provide valuable footage for investigators.
Call for Community Cooperation
As the investigation continues, the Cookeville Police Department is calling on anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or has information related to the shooting to come forward. The department emphasized that every bit of information could be crucial in helping them uncover the truth behind the events of that fateful night. Witnesses are urged to contact the Cookeville Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 931-520-5322.
The police also want to reassure the public that they are taking this matter seriously and are committed to ensuring that justice is served. The shooting of Ashton Bohannon has left a hole in the community, and law enforcement is working tirelessly to bring closure to his family and to determine the full circumstances surrounding his tragic death.
The Road Ahead: Continued Investigation and Legal Process
As of now, the investigation remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to interview witnesses and gather evidence, while the suspect remains in custody. The Cookeville Police Department has stated that they will release additional information as it becomes available, and the public is encouraged to stay informed through official channels.
Once the investigation is complete, authorities will determine whether formal charges will be filed. Depending on the outcome of the investigation, the legal process could involve court hearings, and if charges are brought against the suspect, a trial may follow. Throughout this process, the Cookeville community will continue to grapple with the shock of the shooting and support Bohannon’s family in their time of grief.
Conclusion: The Need for Peace and Understanding
The death of Ashton Bohannon in the Cookeville shopping center parking lot is a painful reminder of the unpredictable nature of violence and the profound impact it can have on a community. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on seeking justice for Bohannon and uncovering the truth behind the events that led to his tragic death.
In the face of this tragedy, the community of Cookeville stands united in mourning, offering support to the victim’s family and hoping for a resolution that brings both justice and healing.
