Police are searching for a man captured on surveillance video in a deadly attack in East Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Metro Nashville Police released an image of a man who investigators say was seen on surveillance video brutally beating a man to death in East Nashville.

John Hayes said he walked past the crime scene in East Nashville almost every evening.

“I walk around her a lot with my dog ​​and nothing has ever happened to me. I’ve never seen anything this crazy,” Hayes said.

On Monday, about two hours after Hayes said he was walking his dog, Metro police said a nearby camera captured blurry video captured by surveillance cameras at the intersection of South 5th and Russel streets be. Police released a screenshot of this video, which showed a man brutally beating another man to death.

Moments later, police said they found 59-year-old James Sutton lying in the middle of the intersection.

When Hayes found out what happened, he couldn't believe what he was hearing.

“It's terrible. I live right in this building and I’m just shocked that this is happening on this corner,” Hayes said.

Police said Sutton was pushed to the ground and suffered serious injuries to his head and spinal cord. Paramedics took him to the hospital, where doctors said he died.

Hayes said he and many other neighbors were heartbroken and nervous.

“It's hard to lose someone like that. I was never really threatened or anything, so I generally felt pretty safe and was able to walk during the day. I’m worried about other people who live nearby,” Hayes said.

People in the area said they have changed the times they go for walks as police search for the man in this picture. People are also praying for James Sutton's family.

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