Target shopper allegedly shot customer dead over dispute

A Target shopper fatally shot another customer after getting into an argument with him at a Nashville store, authorities said.

David Van Dyke, 29, was charged with criminal homicide in the shooting death of 40-year-old Avery Collier around 7:18 p.m. inside the store in the western part of the city, according to Metro Nashville Police Department.

Police said the two men, who apparently didn’t know each other, “had words” shortly after Collier and his girlfriend walked into the store.

“A few minutes later, the two again had a verbal altercation near the electronics department, during which Van Dyke shot Collier,” police said.

Collier collapsed in the aisle, but Van Dyke continued to fire at him, police said.

Collier, who was not carrying a weapon, died at the scene, authorities said.

Van Dyke evacuated the store with other customers, but returned later when officers were on the scene, news station WZTV reported.

He admitted to being the shooter and was taken to Downtown Detention Center, where he is being held on $1 million bond, police said.

Friends on Monday remembered Collier as bubbly and kind, as well as a talented basketball player, news station WTVF reported.

“He was a really good basketball player, a really nice guy and family man. I would never expect something like this to happen to Avery,” childhood pal, Josh Cooperwood, told the outlet.