Nashville man arrested following I-65 shooting; held on $2M cash bond

ATHENS — A “self-proclaimed” member of the Sinaloa drug cartel is in custody following an alleged shooting incident on I-65 near the Elkmont, according to the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office.

Joel Cespedes, 35, whom the sheriff’s office said claimed to be a Sinaloa Cartel drug trafficker, of Nashville is being held on a $2,005,000 cash bond on attempted murder, domestic violence and weapons and drug charges.

According to the sheriff’s office, around 2:45 p.m. Thursday, deputies responded to reports of a shooting on the interstate. The victim reported that Cespedes was following her.

According to the victim, Cespedes had called her, demanding to speak with her and threatening to kill her if she did not stop her vehicle. When she refused, he allegedly produced a firearm and began shooting at her while driving on the interstate.

The sheriff’s said the victim recorded the encounter and, while calling 911, exited the interstate to find a safe location.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency State Trooper Calder was in the area and swiftly conducted a traffic stop on Cespedes, the sheriff’s office said.

Sgt. Cary Moore, Deputy Bradley Fontenot, and Investigator Martin Evans, all with the sheriff’s office, responded to the scene, where probable cause was established to arrest Cespedes on charges of attempted murder and domestic violence 2nd degree – stalking.

During the arrest, authorities discovered Cespedes was in possession of a firearm, multiple fraudulent identification cards, passports, and numerous credit cards belonging to other individuals. Cespedes was further charged with trafficking in stolen identities, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and possession of a controlled substance (fentanyl).

“I commend Trooper Calder, Sgt. Moore, Deputy Fontenot, and Investigator Evans for their quick response to this heinous crime,” said Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin. “Most importantly, we are grateful that the victim is safe.”

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has additional information is urged to contact Investigator Martin Evans at256-232-0111.