Nashville Man Watching TV in Bed Shoots Masked Intruder Demanding Money

A Nashville homeowner acted in self-defense, shooting an armed intruder who broke into his apartment on Saturday night, May 2, 2026. The incident took place at a residential complex in the 100 block of Southwood Park Place, located near the Nashville International Airport.

According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, the 56-year-old resident was watching television in bed when a masked man suddenly entered his bedroom. The intruder demanded money, but the homeowner, who kept a firearm within arm's reach, quickly grabbed his weapon to defend himself.

The suspect, later identified by authorities as 45-year-old Derick Mercer, lunged across the bed in an attempt to disarm the homeowner. A violent struggle ensued, during which the homeowner's firearm discharged. Mercer was struck in the chest by a single bullet, stopping the attack.

Mercer was transported by emergency services to a local hospital for medical treatment. He has been charged with aggravated burglary and unlawful possession of a weapon. Interestingly, investigators later revealed that while the homeowner did not immediately recognize the masked intruder, he was actually acquainted with Mercer, who had visited the apartment earlier that day.