NASHVILLE - A man who shot at a Metro Nashville police officer was charged with a federal firearms violation, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Thomas J. Jaworski.

According to the complaint, Knykholas Lane, 21, of Nashville, was already on probation after having been convicted of two felony counts of Aggravated Burglary when Metro Nashville police officers responded to the 700 block of Lewis Street based on a citizen complaint that an armed man was attempting to break into a woman's residence.

In the early morning hours of November 19, 2024, officers observed Lane as the suspect in the possible break-in and ordered him to stop. However, Lane fled on foot and, as officers pursued him, they observed a pistol in his right hand. According to the complaint, Lane then pointed the pistol at an MNPD officer and fired a shot. The officer returned fire, striking Lane twice. Officers recovered a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol which Lane had used to shoot at the officer. Lane was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. After the shooting, officers learned that Lane also had outstanding warrants for his arrest on charges of Domestic Violence and False Imprisonment.

"Stopping armed felons who put members of our community at risk is among our highest priorities," said Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski. "When those individuals put not just citizens but also our police officers in danger, we will act swiftly to hold offenders accountable."

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum of 15 years in federal prison.

This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Kurtzman is prosecuting the case.

A federal complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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