Man Points Gun At Kids On Nashville Playground: Police

NASHVILLE, TN -- Metro Police say a man pointed a gun at a West Nashville playground full of 9-year-olds Tuesday.

Police were called to the Preston Taylor Ministries playground on Indiana Avenue just after noon Tuesday where they were told a man pointed a gun at several of the kids on the playground, who then ran inside the building.

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Karin Phillip Gardner, 18, was found a half block away and an officer asked him if he had anything on him he should know about. Gardener reportedly admitted to carrying a small amount of marijuana. The officer said when Gardner opened his pocket, he saw a small black pistol.

The officer said he told Gardner to put his hands behind his head, but instead the 18-year-old allegedly ran and reached into the pocket with the gun.

That officer was able to detain Gardner until back-up arrived.

Investigators say Gardner was identified via surveillance video and also by one of the victims.

He is charged with aggravated assault.

Photo via Metro Nashville Police Department