By PATRICK HALL
The Wilson Post

Lebanon Police arrested one suspect reportedly involved in a shooting within the Inman Court Federal Housing Project after the man was seen and heard firing a semi-automatic handgun at a second suspect who was still at-large as of press time.

Thursday afternoon, Officer Justin Butler was driving through Inman Court on routine patrol when he witnessed two unidentified black males shooting at one another. Police Chief Scott Bowen said Butler gave chase on foot to the suspect closest to him, identified as Antwan Sawyer, 23, of 688 Center Street in Gallatin.

“At that point in time, Butler was the only officer there,” Bowen noted.

During the chase, Sawyer allegedly fired three or four shots and then dropped the handgun. Butler was able to take Sawyer into custody after a short foot pursuit. Bowen said the other suspect fled the scene, as Butler had to choose which man to pursue.

Bowen noted the department had a good description of the other suspect and was seeking his whereabouts. He commended Butler’s actions in handling the situation and said they were lucky no one was injured.

“We get these calls weekly, almost daily, with someone either shooting in the air or at someone,” Bowen said.

He noted that shots fired into the air and not at another individual can still be deadly and added the department takes all calls with shots fired very seriously.

Bowen said Sawyer was charged with reckless endangerment and evading arrest. The chief also noted Sawyer has a lengthy arrest record in Sumner County.

Sawyer remained in the Wilson County Jail as of press time.

Staff Writer Patrick Hall may be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .