safety
84-year-old Nashville veteran attacked outside gas station; suspect still unidentified
By Kelsey Gibbs at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· July 3, 2026
· 3 min read
Metro Nashville Police are asking the public to help identify a man accused of attacking an 84-year-old Navy veteran outside an East Nashville gas station last month, leaving him with serious facial injuries that will require surgery.Dallas Mathis was sitting in his SUV at a Shelby Avenue gas sta...
Key takeaway Dallas Mathis was sitting in his SUV at a Shelby Avenue gas station on June 24 when a stranger approached and repeatedly punched him in the face.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The attack on 84-year-old Navy veteran Dallas Mathis outside an East Nashville gas station raises concerns about public safety in the community. As Metro Nashville Police search for the suspect, residents are left wondering about the circumstances that led to the violent incident. The fact that the assault occurred in broad daylight, with the victim sitting in his SUV, highlights the need for increased vigilance and community engagement. The outpouring of support for Mathis from strangers across the country is a testament to the city's compassionate spirit, but it also underscores the need for local authorities to ensure that such incidents are thoroughly investigated and perpetrators are held accountable. As the investigation continues, it is crucial for the community to remain informed and engaged, providing any information that may lead to the identification of the suspect and preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Metro Nashville Police are asking the public to help identify a man accused of attacking an 84-year-old Navy veteran outside an East Nashville gas station last month, leaving him with serious facial injuries that will require surgery.Dallas Mathis was sitting in his SUV at a Shelby Avenue gas sta...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kelsey Gibbs at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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