Man accused of stabbing Nashville airport security worker over phone altercation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — A man arrested this week is accused of stabbing a security worker at BNA after an alleged altercation regarding a phone call.

Arresting documents show Matthew Howell is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Police say Howell has "an extensive criminal history of numerous crimes in multiple states."

According to the affidavit from Metro Police, officers were called to the second floor of Nashville International Airport near Arrivals in response to a man with a knife. An officer observed the inter-con security worker "bleeding profusely from his arm."

The investigation reportedly found Howell had asked security workers if he could use one of their phones to make a call. The employees reportedly offered a phone charger instead, which made Howell become "agitated." That's when he allegedly brandished a knife and stabbed one of the inter-con workers.

Howell reportedly told police he acted in self defense. However, police say surveillance video showed Howell "displayed aggressive and threatening behavior that did not reflect self defense."

FOX 17 News reached out to BNA for comment on the incident. They provided us with the following statement:

"On Tuesday, August 13, 2024, our Department of Public Safety (DPS) was dispatched to the curbside of the Arrivals Level. A contract employee was involved in a pocketknife incident. The assailant was transported the Davidson County Jail. We commend our DPS officers for their swift response and thorough investigation. Their professionalism assured the situation was handled effectively as part of their ongoing efforts to protect Nashville International Airport."

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