Natalie Neysa Alund

nalund@tennessean.com

A 30-year-old California businessman was fatally shot late Sunday night in an apparent robbery attempt while walking with a friend in downtown Nashville's entertainment district, Metro police said.

According to police, Teddy Grasset of Los Angeles was killed while walking on Fourth Avenue South near Demonbreun Street and Korean Veterans Boulevard.

Police spokeswoman Kris Mumford said Grasset and his 28-year-old friend Larry Niehues of Los Angeles were walking when two suspects got out of a gray or silver Chevrolet Impala and approached the men, spooking them. The driver of the Impala, police say, remained in the car.

Mumford said Niehues ran south toward Korean Veterans Boulevard and was not hurt, but Grasset ran toward Demonbreun and was shot in the chest by one of the suspects.

The suspects then fled the area.

Grasset was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he later died.

His death marked the 53rd criminal homicide in Nashville so far this year. At this same time last year, the city also had also seen 53 homicides.

According to his Facebook page, Grasset runs Trading Post LA with his father. Last year, GQ magazine named his business one of the top 10 Men's stores in America.

"Trading Post, a small and wickedly groovy corner store on La Brea that’s tended by a tousled young Frenchman named Teddy Grasset. Grasset built and stocks the store by hand—starting with his own line of vintage-inspired, California-made appare," the article reads.

Police believe the shooting stemmed from an apparent robbery attempt.

Police Capt. Gregory Blair said detectives are investigating why the victims were in town, but noted they were not in town for the Titans-Raiders game.

A complete description of the suspects was not available.

Mumford said the men had been on Broadway and were planning to take a ride-share back to a Murfreesboro Pike motel where they had been staying.

The suspect's vehicle appears to be a newer model silver Chevrolet Impala with a sun roof and spoiler.

Anyone who recognizes the suspects is asked to call Emergency Communications Center at 615-862-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward. People can also send an electronic tip by texting the word “CASH” along with the message to 274637 (CRIMES), or online at www.nashvillecrimestoppers.com.

Reach Natalie Neysa Alund at 615-259-8072. Follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.