Nashville, Tennessee

From Nashville’s WSMV.com of April 28, 2005

Store owner shoots suspected robber

A suspected robber is recovering at Vanderbilt Medical Center after being shot by a store owner who is also a former Army Ranger. The incident happened in Scottsboro at a family run country store.

Owner Brad Lewis, his fiancee, and another clerk were working late checking inventory when they heard a crash at the front door of their business around 1am.

The owner's brother says Brad tried to protect his loved ones.

"[Brad came out and saw] the perpetrator who had made his way into the store. He had a hood over his head, hands in pocket and told Brad to give him all his money. At that point Brad feared for his life, and that's when he started firing,” said Bryan Lewis, Owner's brother.

Police say convicted felon Ralph Wade Flemming was hit twice, once in the leg and once in the arm. He ran across the street where he collapsed. He was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Flemming is familiar with police having been arrested 69 times in Davidson County. Police say he may not have been working alone.

"We have not found a car, and we don't know if he walked or was dropped off. Maybe someone was waiting on him and heard the shots and fled,” said Metro Detective Robert Swisher.

Police say the store owner had a permit for his handgun and will not be charged. His brother says it is the first incident at the store since opening in February. Just a few hours after the shooting, the store was back open for business.