In the early morning hours of October 9, 1991, a dedicated Metro Nashville Police Department Lieutenant, James Ronnie Woodard, a 46-year-old white male, tragically lost his life in the line of duty. With eighteen years of service to the department, Lieutenant Woodard was a respected and good officer. On that fateful morning, his diligence led him to suspect a car was stolen, prompting him to initiate a traffic stop.
The vehicle pulled into a bank parking lot located at 747 Fessiers Lane.
As Lieutenant Woodard approached the car, the suspect opened fire. Despite being critically injured, Lieutenant Woodard was able to return fire, striking the man in the buttocks. A passerby discovered the fallen officer next to his patrol car and bravely used the police radio to call for help. He was rushed to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries approximately thirty minutes later.
Within about two hours of the shooting, a 28-year-old male suspect was apprehended by law enforcement. The investigation proceeded, and the suspect was ultimately convicted of the murder of Lieutenant James Ronnie Woodard. He received a life sentence in prison for his crime. His first eligibility for parole is slated for 2026. Lieutenant Woodard was survived by his wife, six children, his parents, four siblings, and four grandchildren.
