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BRENTWOOD, TN — A neighbor armed with a handgun intervened in a violent attack Wednesday afternoon, shooting a man who was actively stabbing a woman outside a home on Lost Hollow Drive.

Brentwood Police received a 911 call at approximately 1:17 p.m. reporting the assault. Before officers arrived, a nearby resident attempted to stop the attack physically but was unable to prevent the suspect from continuing to stab the victim. With several witnesses present, the neighbor then drew a firearm and shot the suspect multiple times.

Emergency responders, including Brentwood Police, Brentwood Fire and Rescue, and EMS, quickly arrived on the scene. Both the suspect and the female victim were transported to Vanderbilt Medical Center. Authorities report that the woman is expected to recover, while the suspect succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

As of now, no charges have been filed, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Self-Defense and Third-Party Protection Considerations

This incident highlights the critical role of armed citizens in protecting innocent lives. Defending a third party in a violent attack comes with significant legal and ethical responsibilities. In many states, the use of deadly force is justified when intervening to stop an imminent threat of death or grievous bodily harm to another person. However, such situations require split-second decision-making, and armed citizens should be well-versed in their state’s self-defense laws before taking action.

Additionally, while physical intervention is commendable, it may not always be effective against an armed assailant. Carrying a firearm responsibly and maintaining situational awareness can be crucial in responding to life-threatening situations.