Shooting at Columbia Gas Station Leaves One Dead, Deputy Injured

Issue #468

June 16, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Weather - Mostly cloudy, rain expected around 9PM w/ high of 87 & low of 70

📰 Shooting at Columbia Gas Station Leaves One Dead, Deputy Injured

📰 Nashville Zoo’s Newest Exhibit Brings Rare Leopards and Giraffes Together

📌 July 12: Kamp Karlyn & Lady Vol Hitters at Ridley Sports Complex

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 Today’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Shooting at Columbia Gas Station Leaves One Dead, Deputy Injured

At the request of 22nd Judicial District Attorney General Brent Cooper, TBI special agents continue to investigate the circumstances of an officer-involved shooting Sunday morning involving the Maury County Sheriff’s Office.

Preliminary information indicates the incident occurred at approximately 3:00 Sunday morning at a gas station in the 2400 block of New Lewisburg Highway in Columbia, where deputies were dispatched to a report of possible drug activity and a couple fighting. When they arrived to investigate, deputies found a man and woman in a car on the side of the building. After a brief time, the man, identified as 25-year-old Clayton Tyler Dodson, produced a firearm, and shot at the deputy striking him in his vest. Both deputies returned fire, striking Dodson, who was subsequently pronounced deceased at the hospital. The deputy sustained minor injuries in the incident.

TBI agents are working to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the District Attorney General for his further review and consideration. The TBI acts solely as fact-finders in its cases and does not determine whether the actions of an officer were justified in these types of matters. That decision rests with the District Attorney General requesting TBI’s involvement. 

The TBI does not identify the officers involved in these types of incidents and instead refers questions of that nature to the respective department to answer as it sees fit.

Any available updates on this investigation will be posted online at TBINewsroom.com. 

Nashville Zoo’s Newest Exhibit Brings Rare Leopards and Giraffes Together

Leopard Forest is Nashville Zoo’s newest and most immersive exhibit, featuring four new species and the return of giraffes. At its heart is the critically endangered Amur leopard, one of the rarest big cats in the world.

Designed to feel like a true forest, the exhibit includes massive transplanted trees and an overhead bridge where leopards can roam above visitors. The leopard-viewing building mimics the nest of an African hamerkop bird, blending into the natural setting. Elevated walkways give guests multiple vantage points to observe the animals, while artistic elements like geometric sculptures by artist Matt Hill and a mosaic donor wall by artist Rhoda Kahler enhance the experience.

The exhibit’s theme, "Living in Balance," emphasizes conservation and ecotourism in Africa. It aims to educate visitors about the fragile ecosystems that species like the Amur leopard depend on.

With fewer than 150 left in the wild, Amur leopards face critical threats from habitat loss, poaching, and human conflict. Weighing around 80 pounds, these stealthy hunters can take down prey much larger than themselves. Their thick coats and striking rosettes are adapted to cold climates in the Russian Far East and northeastern China.

Leopard Forest expands the Zoo’s conservation work. The Amur leopard, colobus monkey, and DeBrazza’s monkey are part of the Species Survival Plan, helping maintain healthy, genetically diverse captive populations. Nashville Zoo also continues to support broader wildlife protection efforts across Africa.

The grand opening of the exhibit on June 20th includes a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:30 am features remarks from President & CEO Rick Schwartz. Be among the first to explore this exciting experience featuring Amur leopards, black-and-white colobus monkeys, DeBrazza's monkeys, klipspringers and the return of the Masai giraffes.

Other Opening Day Highlights:

  • 9:00 - 10:00 am: Enjoy free leopard-themed face painting near the opening ceremony

  • 9:00 - 11:00 am: Meet Leopard Stilt Walkers at Festival Field

  • 9:30 - 10:00 am: In addition to our daily schedule of Keeper Chats, enjoy special Leopard Forest Keeper Chats at each animal habitat

  • All day: Snap a photo at a special Leopard Forest photo spot at Festival Field

  • The first 2,000 guests receive a free Leopard Forest bandana (while supplies last)

Leopard Forest is included with general admission or membership.

July 12: Kamp Karlyn & Lady Vol Hitters at Ridley Sports Complex

Kamp Karlyn is coming to Columbia, TN on July 12, inviting participants to join Lady Vols star Karlyn Pickens and her teammates for a day filled with softball, fun, and unforgettable memories—an exciting opportunity to learn from some of the best in the game this summer.

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Monday, June 16th

Tuesday, June 17th

Wednesday, June 18th

Thursday, June 19th

Friday, June 20th

Saturday, June 21st

Sunday, June 22nd

*More events coming soon!!

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

July 12: Maury County Sheriff’s Rodeo

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Monday, June 16th 

Rhonda Funk, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Tuesday, June 17th

Austin Byrd, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Songwriters Open Mic, Whiskey Alley Saloon, 6:00 - 9:00 PM

Wednesday, June 18th

VET2VET Middle TN Open Mic Night, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Hobo Cane, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Thursday, June 19th

Beatles4Sale, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Austin Byrd, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00-9:00 PM
Jordan Priest, Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:00 PM

Friday, June 20th 

NKahootz, Frankie’s Pizza & Grill, 6pm
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Shannon McCue, The Spot, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Rob Harris, Grinder’s Switch, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Nick Duke, Buck & Board, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Jason Alexander, Grazie! Italian Eatery, 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Special Songwriters Round w/ Ben Cannon, Jake Martini & Rich Gootee, Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:00 PM
Eastern Dreamers, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM 
Benji & The Jets, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Saturday, June 21st 

Barracuda, The Mulehouse, 8:00 PM
MFT, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
The Def Leprechaun Band, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Natalia X Reeves, Puckett’s, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Grass Kickers, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 - 7:00 PM
Mellie Koska, Buck & Board, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Ryan Keeler, Grazie! Italian Eatery, 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Cross Bridges, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
York Road, The Boondox, 8pm
Zone Status, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Sunday, June 22nd

2 Bad Sons, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4:00 PM
Cliftones, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Todd Ciprian, Fizzy’s Bar & Grill, 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

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