Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Mt. Juliet Police responded swiftly this morning to two separate incidents that occurred within minutes of each other on Lebanon Road near the Green Hill High School zone. Both suspects have been identified, charged, and arrested.
Quick Identification Leads to Arrest After Crossing Guard Confrontation Near Green Hill High
At approximately 8:20 a.m., a passenger exited a vehicle and confronted a Wilson County Schools crossing guard who was directing traffic on Lebanon Road at Green Hill High School. Following the confrontation, the suspect, a 33 year old Old Hickory man, switched seats with the original driver and proceeded to drive onto school property.
After the incident, the police department was notified, and a video of the incident was shared with the department, allowing officers to quickly identify the vehicle using the department’s Guardian Shield license plate reader technology. School Resource Officers assisted in the investigation. An MJPD Detective obtained warrants for assault, disorderly conduct, and driving on a suspended license. The suspect was taken into custody this afternoon at his residence by a coordinated team of Mt. Juliet Police officers and Wilson County Sheriff’s Office deputies.
Reckless Driver Arrested After Causing Multi Vehicle Crash and Attempted Car Theft
Just three minutes later, at approximately 8:23 a.m., a Wilson County Sheriff’s deputy observed a reckless driver entering the city on Lebanon Road near the county line. The vehicle was traveling at extremely high speeds and driving in the center turn lane. As the deputy attempted to catch up while communicating with dispatch and subsequent notification to the Mt. Juliet Police Advanced Response Communication Center, the vehicle caused a three car crash near Lebanon Road and Nonaville Road.
Following the crash, an uninvolved adult male stopped to check on individuals involved in the crash. The suspect, a 23 year old Illinois man, then attempted to take the individual’s vehicle. Officers and deputies were arriving on scene during the encounter, leading to a brief foot pursuit and the suspect’s apprehension.
The suspect was charged with attempted theft, DUI, implied consent, reckless driving, evading, and resisting arrest.
Chief Tyler Chandler stated, “I am proud of the coordinated response between our officers, SROs, and deputies. The efforts on display this morning reflect the strength of our shared commitment to protecting students, staff, and our community. Thankfully, both incidents were handled quickly with no serious injuries reported. We will continue to maintain a visible and proactive presence in our school zones.”
The Mt. Juliet Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety of our school zones and community through proactive enforcement, advanced technology, and strong partnerships.
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