Lebanon man shot on West Main

May 6, 2006 – An "ongoing dispute" between two Lebanon erupted in gun fire Friday afternoon on West Main Street as the two were headed east on the main thoroughfare in separate pickup trucks, Lebanon police said.
Kenny R. Oliver, 48, opened fire on David R. Paris, 59, while the pair sat side-by-side in traffic after 3 p.m. Friday in front of McDonald's. Paris was hit in the mid-torso region after two shots were fired. He was transported to University Medical Center before being airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center by LifeFlight, Lebanon Police Chief Scott Bowen said. He was in critical condition at press time Friday.
Oliver, of No. 3 Donnell Court in Lebanon, was arrested immediately after the incident, and a semiautomatic was discovered inside his truck. He is charged with criminal attempt at criminal homicide and in the Wilson County Jail on a $25,000 bond.
"Apparently there had been some ongoing dispute between these two parties," said Bowen, who declined to elaborate on the motive. "We will not discuss motive at this point. It is still under investigation."
The Lebanon police chief attributed the quick arrest of Oliver to Tennessee Highway Patrolman Steven Lowery.
"Fortunately, Trooper Steven Lowery of the Tennessee Highway Patrol was a couple cars behind and witnessed the shooting," the police chief said, noting the law enforcement officer sprang into action immediately. "He stopped the suspect – Oliver – shortly up the street at Bank of America and requested backup units."
Bowen pointed out Lowery was in an unmarked state car on West Main Street when he witnessed the shooting. A single car separated his vehicle from the shooter's pickup truck, Bowen said.
"He saw shots fired and for him to do what he did shows his courage and bravery," the police chief said, noting Lowery pulled Oliver over on a traffic stop. " … He didn't want to let this guy get away and put his own life at stake to get this guy in custody."
The trooper, however, wasn't the only person springing into action. While several witnesses dispersed from the scene, others aided Paris after he pulled into the gas station in front of Kmart.
"The victim pulled over into Kmart and people started first aid," Bowen said.
The broad daylight, midafternoon shooting did "shake up" several people, but no one else was hurt.
"Some witnesses were shaken up pretty good," Bowen said, pointing out sitting in traffic in open daylight when shots are fired "is scary situation."
But statements from several witnesses were taken at the scene, he said.
The investigation is continuing with Detective Kirk Whitefield leading the probe.
Staff Writer Adam Flower contributed to the story. Night News Editor J.K. Devine can be reached at 444-3952 ext. 46 or by e-mail jk.devine@lebanondemocrat.com.