Mt. Juliet Police Newsroom

A three-time convicted felon, already out on bond for organized retail theft, was caught stealing again in Mt. Juliet thanks to an officer who was paying attention.

On Sunday, August 16 afternoon, an officer noticed suspicious behavior at Walmart and saw the individual leave in a vehicle. Using the in-car computer, the officer checked the publicly visible license plate and confirmed the registered owner had a suspended driver’s license. The system also provided a photo of the registered owner, allowing the officer to visually confirm the person behind the wheel before making the traffic stop.

Once the officer confirmed the driver was unlawfully driving on a suspended license, the vehicle was stopped. What began as proactive police work quickly uncovered more.

Further investigation revealed the driver, a 40-year-old Nashville woman, had just committed a theft from Walmart. The shoplifting had not even been reported yet when our officer discovered it.

Officers also learned she was currently out on bond for a previous organized retail theft charge and is a three-time convicted felon with a criminal history that includes aggravated burglary, robbery, and felony shoplifting.

That’s proactive policing. Paying attention. Knowing what to look for. Using the tools available to us responsibly. And stepping in when something isn’t right.

We’re incredibly grateful for the vigilance of our officers and their commitment to protecting Mt. Juliet every single day. Keeping our community one of Tennessee’s safest doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a dedicated team, strong partnerships, proactive police work, and a community that stands behind its officers.

And we hear that support loud and clear.

We know the overwhelming majority of our community appreciates the work our officers do and values the safe, wonderful community we all get to enjoy. MJ, please keep the encouragement coming. It means more to our officers than you probably realize, and we’re incredibly thankful to have a community that has our back while we work hard to protect yours.

After a crash early Monday, August 10 morning, officers quickly identified and apprehended a driver who fled the scene after making an unlawful turn and striking another motorist on Golden Bear Gateway.

Before the suspect fled, the victim was able to quickly take a photo of the suspect’s vehicle and license plate, giving officers an important lead. MJPD officers immediately began investigating and were able to identify the driver, a 36-year-old Nashville man.

Metro-Nashville Police were contacted, and their officers responded to the man’s residence and took him into custody. He was then transferred to MJPD officers and booked into the Wilson County Jail.

Within two hours of the crash, officers had identified the man responsible and ensured he was held accountable for striking another motorist and fleeing the scene. He told officers he fled because he did not have a valid driver’s license.

Every day, our officers work hard to prevent crime, protect our community, and ensure those who choose to commit crimes in Mt. Juliet are held accountable. The reality is that the majority of criminal suspects our officers encounter do not live in our city, which means offenders can come into Mt. Juliet and leave just as quickly. That dynamic makes proactive policing, strong investigative work, responsible use of technology, and close partnerships with surrounding law enforcement agencies especially important in helping us quickly locate those responsible and hold them accountable.

We are grateful for the victim’s quick thinking, the assistance of Metro-Nashville Police, and our officers’ continued vigilance and commitment to protecting our community. Keeping Mt. Juliet one of Tennessee’s safest cities takes a dedicated team, strong partnerships, and the continued support of a community that values proactive public safety.

A Gordonsville woman had her stolen 2021 Hyundai SUV recovered within an hour after a suspect’s crime spree crossed into Mt. Juliet on Monday, August 10.

It all began shortly after midnight this morning on I-40 in Smith County, when a deputy spotted a vehicle displaying a false license plate. When the deputy attempted a traffic stop, the driver fled before crashing on Grant Highway in Gordonsville. The suspect ran from the crash and was not located during the initial search. The abandoned vehicle had a damaged and punched ignition, along with a broken door handle.

Later around 8:15 a.m., a 2021 Hyundai SUV was reported stolen from a driveway on Bob Davis Lane in Gordonsville.

Around 9:30 a.m., #MJGuardianShield alerted officers on the stolen SUV’s license plate when the stolen Hyundai entered Mt. Juliet on Lebanon Road near West Elementary School. Officers immediately responded and began searching the area.

The SUV was located a short time later on Lebanon Road near Benders Ferry Road. Officers contained the vehicle in a parking lot and safely took the suspect, a 20-year-old Celina man, into custody.

The stolen SUV was recovered for its owner, along with the victim’s purse.

Every day, our officers work hard to prevent crime, protect our community, and ensure those who commit crimes in Mt. Juliet are held accountable. The reality is that many of the criminal suspects our officers encounter do not live in our city. They can enter Mt. Juliet and leave just as quickly.

That is why proactive policing, strong investigative work, responsible use of technology, and close partnerships with surrounding law enforcement agencies are so important. Together, those efforts help our officers identify criminal activity, quickly locate those responsible, recover stolen property, and hold offenders accountable before they can cause harm in our community.

Teamwork brought a dangerous driver’s reckless run to an end overnight after Metro-Nashville Police officers spotted his extremely reckless driving and attempted to stop him. Instead of stopping, he fled from officers at extremely high speeds with no headlights.

Around 12:41 a.m., our officers were alerted that MNPD was pursuing the vehicle eastbound on I-40 toward Mt. Juliet. Officers strategically positioned themselves along the interstate in an effort to stop the driver, but he continued to flee.

The suspect exited at Highway 109 and turned back toward Nashville. With MNPD Aviation providing real-time location updates from above, one of our officers successfully deployed a spike system just past the Mt. Juliet Road interchange, deflating the vehicle’s tires.

The vehicle eventually came to a stop near the I-40/I-24 split, where the driver, an unlicensed 20-year-old Nashville man, was safely taken into custody.

He now faces charges in Nashville and Wilson County related to his extremely reckless driving and felony evading.

We’re grateful for the teamwork between our officers and MNPD that brought this dangerous situation to a safe end. Crime and dangerous behavior don’t stop at city or county lines, and neither does the teamwork required to keep our communities safe.

A convicted felon’s multi-state retail theft crime spree came to an end in Mt. Juliet this evening after #MJGuardianShield alerted officers to a vehicle connected to felony theft investigations in multiple states.

The alert was received as the vehicle entered Mt. Juliet from Nashville on Lebanon Road. Officers immediately responded and began searching the area as the Advanced Response Communication Center confirmed the plate was associated with a felony-involved criminal vehicle.

A short time later, officers located the vehicle on Lebanon Road near Mt. Juliet Road. Officers completed a visual verification of the license plate then contained it in a parking lot and safely took the suspect, a 44-year-old California man, into custody before he could reach his next reported target, the Walgreens at Lebanon Road and Mt. Juliet Road.

Investigators learned the man had been traveling across multiple states committing organized retail thefts, primarily stealing large quantities of makeup from stores such as Walgreens and CVS.

More than $5,000 worth of suspected stolen makeup was recovered from the vehicle, along with burglary tools and marijuana.

The investigation also uncovered connections to several active theft cases in other states, including multiple jurisdictions in Missouri. In several of those cases, investigators knew the vehicle involved in the crimes but had not yet identified the suspect. His apprehension in Mt. Juliet has now provided those agencies with an identified suspect as they continue their investigations.

The man is also a convicted felon with previous California convictions that include multiple robberies and assault with a deadly weapon.

We are grateful this crime spree ended here before a business in our community could be victimized.

Criminals do not recognize city or state boundaries. They can enter our community and leave just as quickly. That is why proactive policing, strong investigative work, responsible use of technology, and partnerships with law enforcement agencies near and far are so important.

Our officers remain focused on identifying criminal activity, stopping those responsible, recovering stolen property, and protecting our residents, visitors, and businesses from those who come into Mt. Juliet intending to commit crime.

For factual information, safeguards, law, policy, and privacy protections on how Mt. Juliet’s license plate readers protect our community, please visit our transparency portal here: https://www.mtjuliet-tn.gov/1561/Guardian-Shield-License-Plate-Reader-Pro

Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – The Mt. Juliet Police Department is proud to announce that Lieutenant Josh Workman has graduated from Northwestern University Center for Public Safety’s prestigious School of Police Staff and Command (SPSC), one of the nation’s most respected leadership development programs for law enforcement professionals.

Adding to the significance of his achievement, Lt. Workman was selected to receive the Franklin M. Kreml Leadership Award, the highest leadership honor presented to a member of his graduating class. The award recognizes a class member who demonstrates exceptional leadership, integrity, dedication, and commitment throughout the program.

Lt. Workman completed SPSC Class #643, a 10-week intensive leadership program hosted at Belmont University that brought together 21 law enforcement leaders for advanced study in police management and executive leadership. He was also elected by his classmates to serve as class vice president, further reflecting the confidence and respect of his peers.

Lt. Josh Workman and Chief Tyler Chandler

The School of Police Staff and Command is academically demanding and designed to prepare experienced law enforcement professionals for increased command and executive responsibilities. The curriculum includes 27 core areas of instruction covering leadership, organizational behavior, human resources, budgeting, policy development, decision-making, and strategic planning. Participants complete written examinations, presentations, projects, and an extensive staff study during the program.

Established in 1936, Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety has a long history of providing advanced university-based education to public safety professionals. Since the School of Police Staff and Command was established in 1983, more than 22,000 law enforcement professionals from across the United States and internationally have completed the program.

L-R: Michelle Camden (Executive Director of NWU Center for Public Safety), Lt. Josh Workman, Jeff Hughes (Williamson Co. Sheriff & Keynote Speaker), and Mark Labbe (Belmont University Host)

Lt. Workman serves as Commander of the Department’s Investigative Services Division and becomes the seventh member of MJPD to graduate from the School of Police Staff and Command.

Chief Chandler stated, “His graduation, peer-elected leadership role, and recognition with the Leadership Award are tremendous accomplishments and reflect his commitment to continued professional growth, strong leadership, and service to both our department and the Mt. Juliet community. Our entire team is incredibly proud of Lt. Workman and congratulates him on this well-earned achievement.”

###

Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – With Wilson County students returning to school on Monday, August 3, the Mt. Juliet Police Department is launching a focused traffic safety blitz to help ensure students, families, school employees, and crossing guards have a safe start to the new school year.

Increased Officer Presence and Enforcement

Additional officers will be visible around schools, in school zones, and along routes frequently traveled by students. Enforcement efforts will focus on speeding in school zones, passing stopped school buses, unlawful use of handheld cell phones, distracted driving, and violations of seat belt and child passenger safety laws.

The Department will also deploy digital radar speed signs near school zones. These signs display approaching vehicle speeds and flash warnings when drivers exceed the posted limit, helping increase awareness and encourage motorists to slow down.

School Bus Stop Law

Active Monitoring and Coordination

Police Department leadership will actively monitor vehicle traffic, pedestrian activity, school-zone conditions, and drop-off and pickup queue operations throughout the opening of the school year.

Department leaders will remain directly involved in ongoing conversations with City traffic engineers, Public Works teams, crossing guards, and Wilson County Schools administrators. Maintaining a strong line of communication will allow concerns to be identified quickly, evaluated together, and addressed before they become larger traffic or safety issues.

Traffic patterns and school operations may require adjustments as families settle into new routines. The Department and its partners will continue working together to identify practical solutions that improve traffic flow while keeping students, families, school employees, and motorists safe.

Working with Schools and Crossing Guards

Officers will work closely with school administrators and crossing guards throughout the school year to quickly identify and address traffic safety concerns.

Crossing guards play a critical role in helping students safely cross streets, intersections, and school entrances. Drivers must remain alert, be prepared to stop, and follow all directions given by crossing guards.

Allow Extra Time

Parents and guardians are encouraged to allow additional travel time, especially during the first several days of school. Heavier traffic and families adjusting to new routines can create longer delays around school campuses.

Leaving earlier reduces stress, discourages rushed driving, and gives everyone more time to arrive safely.

Follow School Traffic Plans

Drivers should obey all posted speed limits, traffic signs, directional signs, curb markings, and school drop-off and pickup procedures.

Parents are encouraged to visit their child’s school website before the first day to review campus-specific traffic flow, drop-off, and pickup information. Additional school information is available through Wilson County Schools at www.wcschools.com.

Keep Drop-Off Areas Moving

Parents dropping off students can help reduce delays by ensuring children have their backpacks, lunches, and other belongings ready before reaching the designated unloading area.

Students should exit only in approved locations and from the side of the vehicle designated by the school’s traffic plan. Being prepared before reaching the unloading area helps traffic move more efficiently and reduces congestion around school campuses.

Stay Alert for Students

Motorists should remain especially watchful for children walking or riding bicycles/scooters near schools, neighborhoods, intersections, and crosswalks.

Drivers should eliminate distractions, put down their phones, and give their full attention to the roadway. The driving habits adults demonstrate also set an important example for young passengers who will one day become drivers themselves.

Patience Helps Keep Everyone Safe

Patience and courtesy are especially important near school campuses. Aggressive, distracted, or hurried driving can create dangerous conditions and unnecessary congestion.

The Mt. Juliet Police Department appreciates the community’s patience, cooperation, and shared commitment to helping every student begin the school year safely.

###

Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – This morning, an observant citizen and a coordinated response by Mt. Juliet’s public safety team ensured an individual experiencing an emotional crisis received immediate support and care.

A citizen contacted the Advanced Response Communications Center (ARCC) after noticing concerning behavior from an adult on the S. Mt. Juliet Road overpass at Interstate 40. An ARCC Operator quickly accessed the City’s live-view public safety cameras, located the individual, maintained visual observation, and directed emergency responders to the person’s precise location.

Mt. Juliet firefighters were returning to their station when they were directed to the situation. They quickly stopped and began speaking with the individual. Their compassionate approach helped de-escalate the situation until Mt. Juliet Police officers arrived to assist.

The Police Department’s Mental Health Co-Responder also responded to provide specialized crisis support and help determine the appropriate care. The individual was safely transported to mental health professionals to receive further assistance focused on their safety and well-being.

The Advanced Response Communications Center is among a limited number of public safety communications centers that coordinate police, fire, and emergency medical responses for an entire community. This unified model provides stronger communication, greater coordination, and more efficient emergency responses.

ARCC Operators also coordinate real-time intelligence operations, using public safety cameras, live 911 information, drone as a first responder, license plate readers, and other available resources to help ensure emergency responders receive the most informed and immediate information possible.

Mt. Juliet residents receive the enhanced benefit of city-provided police, fire, and emergency medical services working together through one advanced communications center that coordinates emergency response and real-time intelligence for the entire community.

Today’s successful response was made possible by a concerned citizen who recognized that someone needed help and took action, along with the coordinated work of ARCC operators, firefighters, police officers, and the department’s mental health co-responder.

Suicide and emotional crises affect individuals, families, and entire communities. Many people have experienced moments when they felt exhausted, overwhelmed, or backed into a corner. No one should feel they must face those moments alone.

Our dispatchers, mental health co-responders, police officers, firefighters, and medical responders are compassionate professionals who care deeply about people and the value of every life. Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness. It is a courageous first step toward hope and healing.

Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. The department can also be reached at 615-754-2550. Support is available through trained crisis counselors.

It gets better. Choose life.

###