Donovan Coble : Metro Officer Sues Parking Co. Over Fees

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Detective Donovan Coble, a Metro officer, has taken legal action against a parking lot company after sustaining a gunshot wound while responding to a call regarding a parking lot burglary in June 2023. The incident took place at The Parking Spot, a lot near Nashville International Airport.

The lawsuit filed by Coble alleges that the gun used to shoot him was stolen from a vehicle that the valet had left unlocked. The parking company is accused of negligence in handling security, especially considering the history of crimes in the parking lot.

Details of the Incident

Body camera footage provided by Metro police shows Coble and his partner arriving at the location and chasing the burglary suspect, identified as 37-year-old Delama Casimir. Despite orders to show his hands, Casimir fled from the officers, jumping over a wooden fence.

As the officers pursued Casimir into a backyard, he pointed a .380 semi-automatic pistol over his shoulder and fired, striking Coble in the side. Casimir then sought refuge in a brush pile behind a nearby home. A SWAT team later located him and Coble’s partner fired at Casimir after spotting the same pistol used in the shooting.

Legal Action and Damages

Coble is seeking compensatory damages for a range of issues, including bodily injuries, medical expenses, loss of wages, pain and suffering, and loss of earning capacity. The total amount being sought in damages does not exceed $2,500,000.000.

Statistics show a concerning trend, with 503 guns reported stolen in Davidson County this year, 351 of which were taken from vehicles. In the past week alone, 55 guns were stolen from vehicles, highlighting the need for improved security measures.