Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Newly released surveillance footage provides a clearer picture of a fatal confrontation outside a Tennessee vape shop and why prosecutors decided not to charge the armed man who fired the shots.
The August 14 shooting killed 24-year-old Dalton Spaulding outside the A1 Smoke and Vape Shop on Roy Martin Road in Gray. After reviewing the video and witness statements, First Judicial District Attorney General Steve Finney determined that Spaulding was the primary aggressor and that the shooter acted in self-defense.
Table of contents
Confrontation Captured on Video
WJHL News Channel 11 obtained the surveillance footage through a public-records request.
The video reportedly shows Spaulding entering the store and confronting 59-year-old Kevin Nottingham. Investigators said the argument started after Spaulding accused Nottingham of looking disrespectfully at his grandfather, who was waiting outside.
The verbal confrontation moved toward the doorway, where Spaulding grabbed Nottingham and violently threw him to the ground. Nottingham wore a prosthetic leg, which became detached during the takedown.
According to prosecutors, Spaulding continued attacking Nottingham while he was down.
That was when Nottingham drew a .38-caliber revolver and fired four rounds. Three struck Spaulding in the chest and arm. Spaulding died at the scene.
SEE ALSO: Colt Government Model .45: 1000 Rounds Later
Nottingham told investigators he had warned Spaulding that he had one leg and was a senior citizen. In his written statement, Nottingham said he was in pain, remained under attack and believed he had run out of options.
“When I realized I had no other choice, I pulled my pistol,” Nottingham wrote.
Prosecutors Decline Charges
Finney’s office reviewed the complete video along with multiple witness statements that reportedly supported Nottingham’s account.
The district attorney ultimately concluded that Spaulding initiated the physical violence and continued the assault after taking Nottingham to the ground. No criminal charges will be filed against Nottingham.
Local criminal defense attorney Gene Scott reviewed the footage for WJHL and said the shooting appeared justified.
Scott noted that both men had a lawful right to be at the business. However, Nottingham did not fire until he had been grabbed, thrown down and left on the ground without his prosthetic leg while the assault continued.
“It looks like he was doing what he had to do to defend himself,” Scott said.
A Fight With Permanent Consequences
Early reports described the incident as an argument over a parking spot. The completed investigation painted a different picture: a confrontation over an alleged disrespectful look that quickly became violent.
One man is dead. Another will have to live with taking a life. All of it unfolded over something that never needed to become physical.
The video also shows why complete investigations matter. The number of shots alone does not tell the whole story. Neither does the fact that one person was armed. Context—especially who started the violence and whether the threat was still happening—can determine whether a shooting is criminal or lawful self-defense.
Based on the footage and findings released so far, do you think the district attorney made the right call?
*** Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica! ***
Available on GunsAmerica Now
is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
– Licensed Bowhunter, Hunter, and Trapper – Experienced in ethical hunting and wildlife conservation.
– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certified to provide emergency medical care in the field.
– Field-Tested Gear Reviewer – Hands-on experience with firearms, optics, and hunting tech.
bet that bad guy won’t attack anymore handicapped people!