Arrest made in death of Atlanta man after fight outside Nashville bar

A man wanted in connection with the death of a 45-year-old Atlanta man after a fight outside a downtown Nashville bar is now in custody.

Nashville police announced late Friday that members of the department’s TITANS Unit arrested Keith A. King Jr., 37, on an outstanding criminal homicide warrant in the Oct. 25 death of Torey Ward.

Investigators say the confrontation began inside Big Shotz bar on 2nd Avenue North before moving outside.

According to police, Ward’s girlfriend had an encounter with King while Ward was in the restroom. When Ward returned, police say a verbal argument began, and bar employees told the entire group to leave.

TRENDING STORIES:

• Georgia man hit with $17K cruise ship bill after visit to onboard doctor
• Cause of overturned school bus crash in Rockdale County released
• Historic rainfall brought 1,000-year rain event to Blue Ridge

Once outside, investigators say the dispute turned physical.

Police previously said witnesses reported that King punched Ward and put him in a chokehold. King told investigators he acted because he feared for his own safety.

Ward lost consciousness during the altercation and was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he later died.

Police initially did not charge King as homicide detectives continued investigating and worked with prosecutors.

That changed Friday when police arrested King on the criminal homicide warrant.