Unarmed Hero Describes Taking Down Waffle House Mass Shooter

Antioch, TN – James Shaw Jr., 29, has been identified as the hero who stopped a mass shooter who killed four people at an Antioch Waffle House Sunday morning.

According to Nashville Metro PD, the suspect entered and started shooting at around 3:25 a.m. at 3571 Murfreesboro Pike.

During the shooting, Shaw was able to wrestle the rifle out of the shooter’s hands.

Shaw says that he doesn’t feel like a hero.

“I don’t really know, when everyone said that (of being a hero), it feels selfish,” Shaw told The Tennessean. “I was just trying to get myself out. I saw the opportunity and pretty much took it.”

Shaw said that he was at the Waffle House after a fraternity party when shots rang out, with one grazing him.

“I remember I was like ‘Dang, I’m basically in a barrel,’ ” Shaw Jr. told The Tennessean. “There is no place for me to go.”

After opening fire, the suspect came through the door and needed to reload. That’s when Shaw rushed him.

“When he came in, I distinctively remember thinking that he is going to have to work for this kill,” Shaw tole the Tennessean. “I had a chance to stop him and thankfully I stopped him. I grabbed the gun and kept it down. He had one hand on it. I pulled it away and threw it over the bar.”

The suspect then fled the scene naked and on foot.

Shaw said that he didn’t pursue the suspect for fear he might still be armed.

Travis Reinking, 29, of Morton, IL has been identified as a person of interest according to Nashville Metro.

The shooter left his vehicle on scene. The vehicle that the shooter arrived in is registered to Reinking, and he matches the description of the shooter.

Reinking is a white male with short brown hair and was last seen wearing nothing.

Anybody who sees Reinking is asked to call 615-862-8600 immediately.

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