Police investigating self-defense claim after deadly gas station shooting in Nashville

Nashville police are investigating a claim of self-defense in Friday's fatal shooting in a gas station parking lot.

Police say that Azon Smith, 24, is claiming he fatally shot Justin Sturgis, 34, out of self-defense. The deadly shooting occurred around 1:30 a.m. in the parking lot of an Exxon gas station in the 800 block of South Gallatin Pike.

The investigation shows that Sturgis and Smith were arguing inside the store, because Sturgis didn't like the way Smith looked at him. Police say Sturgis made verbal threats toward Smith and his girlfriend, who works at the gas station, before displaying a gun. 

Sturgis drove away and Smith told police he attempted to follow him, which was unsuccessful. Police say Sturgis later returned and made threatening statements from his car. 

Smith told police that as Sturgis pulled back into the parking lot, he lifted up his shirt, which Smith perceived as him reaching for a gun. 

Police say Smith fired a gun at Sturgis, striking him multiple times. He was taken to Skyline Medical Center where he died. 

No charges have been flied against Smith as of Friday afternoon, but the investigation is ongoing. 

Reach Brinley Hineman at bhineman@tennessean.com and on Twitter @brinleyhineman.