Police Identify Suspect in Smyrna Liquor Store Shooting

SMYRNA, Tenn. — Authorities have identified the man involved in a shooting and hours-long standoff at a liquor store in Smyrna on Tuesday.

According to Smyrna police, 36-year-old Derrick E. Warren of Decatur, Alabama, entered Legacy Wine and Spirits on Lee Victory Parkway around 1:30 p.m. and asked to use the store phone. While on the call, he reportedly selected a specialty bottle from the shelf, opened it, and began drinking.

When an employee confronted him about paying for the bottle, police say Warren pulled out a firearm and began shooting inside the store. Three employees and a customer were inside at the time and were able to escape without injury.

Warren then barricaded himself inside the business, firing multiple shots and causing significant damage inside the store, including breaking bottles and shattering the front window. The situation prompted a heavy police response and forced nearby roads, including parts of Lee Victory Parkway and Old Nashville Highway, to be shut down for several hours.

The standoff lasted approximately four hours. During that time, officers say Warren continued to fire rounds inside the building. Authorities later confirmed the incident was no longer an active shooter situation, and Warren surrendered peacefully around 6 p.m. He was taken into custody without further incident.

No injuries were reported. Police said Warren will face multiple charges, including attempted criminal homicide. The investigation remains ongoing, and a motive has not yet been released.

The store owners have begun assessing the damage and plan to reopen once cleanup is complete.

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