OLD HICKORY, Tenn. (WKRN) – An alleged dispute between a couple led to a shooting overnight at a home in Old Hickory, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department. 

Officers were called to a home in the 900 block of Debow Street at approximately 1:14 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 6 for reports of a dispute between a man and woman. 

Upon arrival, officers located a man who had been shot in the head. He was able to talk to police at the scene and was taken to TriStar Skyline Medical Center. Because of the critical nature of his wound, the MNPD’s Homicide Unit is now leading the investigation.

Police said the shooting occurred after the man became abusive with his ex-girlfriend. The woman told officers that she shot him in an act of self-defense after he strangled her more than once and threatened to kill her.

According to investigators, the woman said her ex-boyfriend refused to let her leave and charged at her before she fired at him with the pistol she had retrieved from her purse.

Authorities told News 2 that the man is known to be a serial abuser. He was reportedly arrested in February for violating an order of protection the same woman had obtained when he showed up at her house last August.

It remains unclear whether the woman will face any charges related to this incident. No other information was immediately available. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or you’re unsure about whether or not your situation is domestic violence, please speak to an advocate at the Family Safety Center at 615-880-1100.  To speak with someone on a 24-hour hotline, you can contact the YWCA Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-334-4628.