Nashville Officer Critically Wounded, Suspect Killed in Traffic Stop Shooting

Metro Nashville Officer Josh Baker was critically wounded during a traffic stop Friday. The suspect was killed. (Photo: Metropolitan Nashville PD)

A Nashville officer was critically wounded and a 31-year-old woman killed in a shootout during a traffic stop Friday morning.

Metro Nashville police identified the officer as East Precinct Officer Josh Baker and the woman as 31-year-old Nika Nicole Holbert.

Don Aaron, a spokesperson for the Metro Nashville Police Department said the incident began when Officer Baker stopped a black Chevrolet Camaro after learning the owner of the vehicle had six outstanding drug warrants, WKRN reports.

Officer Baker approached the Camaro and learned the owner of the car was not the person driving, according to Aaron. He said at some point, Holbert fired at Officer Baker, striking him, as he fired back, striking Holbert, who drove off and crashed.

Aaron said Officer Baker was struck in the torso and transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he underwent surgery. He was listed in critical condition, but was stable following that surgery, police said.

Holbert was pronounced dead at a hospital.