Man, 23, accused of fatally shooting co-worker at U-Haul store after argument over drink

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) - A 23-year-old Tennessee man is facing charges after police say he fatally shot his co-worker at a U-Haul store after an argument over a drink.

Metro Nashville Police say 23-year-old Devin Rice was taken into custody Wednesday after he allegedly shot and killed his 56-year-old co-worker, Fredrick Lytton. He is charged with criminal homicide.

Officers arrived at the U-Haul store where both men worked just after 5 p.m. Tuesday to find Lytton suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to the hospital, where he died.

Police say Rice admitted to getting into an argument with Lytton over a drink. The suspect then allegedly pulled out a pistol and fired multiple shots before fleeing the store.

Crime tape surrounded the U-Haul store through the evening Tuesday as investigators processed the scene.

Marty Vaughn, who owns 360 Fitness across the street, said he witnessed police respond.

“When I saw the police officers rush in, they had their hands on their weapons, so I knew there was something there,” Vaughn said. “The ambulance came over, and we saw somebody rolled out to the ambulance. They were working on him like it was pretty serious.”

After the shooting, police searched the area of Thunderbird Drive looking for Rice. Joshua Houghtaylen, who lives in the area, said the situation had residents on edge.

“The crime here in Nashville is getting really bad,” Houghtaylen said. “Police need to do a better job at getting the guns off the street because there’s a lot of shootings in Nashville.”

The U-Haul store remains closed with plans to reopen Thursday.

Jeff Lockridge, U-Haul’s manager of media and public relations, released a statement saying team members are not permitted to be armed at work.

Jeff Porter, area district vice president over Tennessee, also released a statement.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by what occurred,” Porter said. “Our concern right now is being there to support the victim’s family and our Team Members affected by this tragic event. We will evaluate everything else going forward.”