Mt. Juliet Police Newsroom

Mt. Juliet Tenn. — The Department is preparing for a busy Halloween night with plans to quadruple patrol staffing on Saturday, October 31, to help keep neighborhoods safe as thousands of children and families enjoy trick-or-treating.

Halloween is one of Mt. Juliet’s most popular community traditions, drawing residents and visitors who come to enjoy the holiday in a safe community and family-friendly environment. Officers will provide an increased presence throughout neighborhoods to help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable evening. In an effort to keep our community organized, it is recommended that trick-or-treating activities take place between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

As part of the department’s Halloween safety efforts, officers will also hand out candy and LED safety lights to trick-or-treaters. The lights are intended to help children remain visible to motorists after dark.

Pedestrian safety remains the department’s greatest concern. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, children are more than twice as likely to be struck and killed by a vehicle on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

“One of the things that makes Mt. Juliet special is seeing so many families out enjoying Halloween in our neighborhoods,” Police Chief Tyler Chandler said. “We want everyone to have a great night, and our officers will be out strong to help make that happen. But keeping children safe takes all of us. Please slow down, watch for children and look out for one another.”

The department encourages parents to make sure costumes are visible at night by using reflective materials, flashlights or other lighting. Children should be reminded to cross streets at intersections, avoid walking between parked vehicles and remain aware of approaching traffic.

Drivers are urged to use extra caution in residential neighborhoods. Children can be unpredictable, especially when excited or distracted by costumes, decorations and other activities.

Officers will also be watching for unsafe driving, illegal activity and other behavior that could threaten the safety of trick-or-treaters.

With the growing popularity of electric scooters and e-bikes, parents are encouraged to talk with their children about safe operation, traffic laws and the importance of being safe.

Parking is another important consideration. Residents and visitors should park responsibly and avoid blocking roadways, driveways or access for emergency vehicles. Officers will be monitoring parking conditions throughout neighborhoods.

Community members play an important role in keeping Mt. Juliet safe. Anyone who observes reckless driving, dangerous behavior or suspicious activity is encouraged to report it promptly so officers can respond.

The Mt. Juliet Police Department wishes everyone a fun, memorable and safe Halloween.

For non-emergency assistance, contact MJPD at 615-754-2550. For emergencies, call 911.

Additional Halloween safety information is available through Safe Kids Worldwide.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. — MJPD has announced four leadership advancements across the department, strengthening supervision, professional accountability and community communication across the department.

These leadership advancements recognize the experience, dedication and continued contributions of personnel serving the Mt. Juliet community.

Kinnie Long has been promoted to lead operator in the Advanced Response Communications Center (ARCC). In her new role, she leads a shift of emergency communications and real-time crime intelligence operators who help coordinate emergency responses and support public safety operations throughout Mt. Juliet.

Jonathan Long has been promoted to corporal in the Patrol Division. He will assist in supervising a patrol detail, supporting officers in their daily responsibilities and helping ensure effective police services throughout the community.

Robert Ullrich has been promoted to sergeant in the Administrative Services Division. His responsibilities include overseeing department policy development, law enforcement accreditation and professional accountability. Ullrich played an important role in the department’s recent achievement of Tennessee Law Enforcement Accreditation, helping strengthen the professional standards and practices that guide the agency.

Corporal Taylor Rosenthal Takes on Expanded Leadership Role in Office of the Chief

Corporal Taylor Rosenthal has assumed expanded leadership responsibilities within the Office of the Chief, where he will oversee the department’s public information efforts and coordinate special projects that support departmental operations and community engagement.

Rosenthal brings eight years of law enforcement experience and a strong background in public safety, supervision and community service to his new assignment.

He began his law enforcement career in 2018 and served nearly six years in South Florida before joining MJPD. During that time, he served as a member of a dive rescue team and earned multiple recognitions for his actions during life-saving incidents. His honors include multiple life-saving awards and a Gold Cross Award.

Since joining the MJPD, Rosenthal has served as a patrol supervisor and field training officer. In these roles, he has helped mentor and develop officers while remaining actively involved in protecting and serving the Mt. Juliet community.

Rosenthal is also a credentialed master public information officer through the University of Tennessee’s Law Enforcement Innovation Center. His specialized communication training, operational experience and passion for visual storytelling will support the department’s commitment to transparency, timely public information and meaningful community engagement.

Chief Tyler Chandler stated, “Strong leadership is essential to serving our community well. These advancements recognize individuals who have demonstrated dedication, professionalism and a commitment to making our department better. I’m proud of their accomplishments and confident they will continue strengthening our team and the service we provide to Mt. Juliet.”

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – The Mt. Juliet Police Department has officially earned accreditation through the Tennessee Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (TLEA), marking an important milestone in the department’s continued commitment to professional, accountable, and high-quality police service.

The accreditation was officially approved following a review by the Accreditation Board on Wednesday.

TLEA accreditation provides an independent review of a law enforcement agency’s policies, procedures, management, operations, and practices to ensure they meet established professional standards. The process requires extensive internal review and documentation, followed by an outside assessment of the agency’s compliance and practices.

For MJPD, accreditation represents independent recognition of standards the department has worked for years to maintain.

“This accreditation does not suddenly make us a professional police department. Our team has worked hard for many years to do things the right way, professionally, responsibly, and with integrity,” said Police Chief Tyler Chandler. “What makes this milestone so meaningful is that an independent process came in, looked closely at how we operate, and confirmed the strength of the work our people are doing every day.”

The Tennessee Law Enforcement Accreditation Program was established through the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police to promote professional standards of accountability, management, and operations and to improve the quality of law enforcement services provided to Tennessee communities.

Accreditation requires agencies to closely examine virtually every aspect of their operations, including policies, procedures, organizational practices, documentation, accountability, training, and administration. It also creates an ongoing process of review and improvement. Accredited agencies must demonstrate continued compliance and undergo future reassessments to maintain their accredited status.

“This is important for our community because it adds another level of accountability,” Chandler said. “We are not simply saying that we operate professionally or that we follow strong practices. An outside review has examined our department and confirmed that those standards are reflected in how we actually operate. That should matter to the people who trust us to serve them.”

The achievement is the culmination of a multi-year effort that has continued through the leadership of multiple Mt. Juliet Police Chiefs and generations of department members.

Significant momentum toward accreditation came with the department’s decision to dedicate personnel specifically to managing the extensive accreditation process. Officer Rob Ullrich has led much of the department’s accreditation work, coordinating documentation, reviewing standards and practices, and working throughout the organization to prepare for the independent assessment. Captain Jason Brockman provided leadership and oversight throughout the process.

“This achievement certainly deserves recognition for Rob and Jason and the tremendous amount of work they carried to get us across the finish line,” Chandler said. “But accreditation cannot be achieved by one Chief, one accreditation manager, or a handful of employees. It takes an entire organization committed to the same standard.”

From officers writing reports and conducting investigations to dispatchers handling emergency calls, supervisors ensuring accountability, and employees responsible for training, records, evidence, policy, and administrative functions, the accreditation process examines work occurring throughout the organization.

“That is what makes me most proud,” Chandler added. “The things our team does every day, many of which may never be seen publicly, are what made this possible. When independent assessors came in and looked closely at our people, our practices, and how we serve this community, our team shined.”

Accreditation is not the end of the process. TLEA requires accredited agencies to maintain compliance, provide continuing documentation, and undergo future reassessments, reinforcing an ongoing commitment to improvement and accountability.

“For us, this is both a milestone and another starting point,” Chandler said. “We will continue looking for ways to improve, continue holding ourselves accountable, and continue pushing ourselves to provide the level of service Mt. Juliet deserves. This accreditation belongs to our entire team, and I could not be more proud of them.”

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10/2/2026 Update on Charges and Investigations:

Investigators have completed the investigations in 2 of the 3 vandalism incidents that have led to the following charges:

Halifax Court Incident:

1. 17-year-old male of Mt. Juliet charged with Disorderly Conduct and Vandalism

N. Cromwell Court Incident:

1. 17-year-old female of Old Hickory charged with Disorderly Conduct and Vandalism
2. 17-year-old male of Mt. Juliet charged with Disorderly Conduct and Vandalism
3. 17-year-old male of Mt. Juliet charged with Disorderly Conduct and Vandalism
4. 16-year-old male of Old Hickory charged with Disorderly Conduct and Vandalism
5. 17-year-old male of Old Hickory charged with Disorderly Conduct and Vandalism
6. 17-year-old female of Mt. Juliet charged with Disorderly Conduct and Vandalism
7. 17-year-old female of Mt. Juliet charged with Disorderly Conduct and Vandalism
8. 17-year-old female of Mt. Juliet charged with Disorderly Conduct and Vandalism

Original Release:

Mt. Juliet, Tenn. — The Department is raising concern about escalating “Junior/Senior Prank Wars” after multiple recent calls and 13 incidents across Mt. Juliet neighborhoods have required police response or action.

What may have started as a school tradition or harmless fun has moved well beyond that point. The behavior being reported is not comparable to traditional pranks such as toilet-papering a yard. Officers are now responding to incidents involving legitimate vandalism, reckless driving, trespassing, property damage, and other conduct that creates a serious risk of injury.

Community members have reported and officers have become aware of participants recklessly chasing one another in vehicles through neighborhoods, driving without headlights, running across roadways and through private property while wearing ski masks and dark clothing, shooting paintballs at vehicles and causing dents, placing liquids on homes that have caused staining, damaging landscaping and decorations, and breaking residential home windows.

There are currently three active criminal vandalism investigations related to to incidents in which victims have chosen to pursue prosecution against those involved.

“We do not want to see a teenager hurt or charged with a crime over something they thought was just a prank,” said Mt. Juliet Police Chief Tyler Chandler. “What we are seeing has crossed far beyond harmless fun. When someone damages another person’s property, drives recklessly through a neighborhood, or creates a situation where someone could be seriously injured, there are real consequences. Our hope is that students and parents take this seriously now, before someone gets hurt or a young person makes a decision that follows them much longer than one night.”

Entering another person’s property or damaging yards, homes, vehicles, mailboxes, landscaping, decorations, or other property may result in criminal charges and financial responsibility for the damage caused. Reckless driving and other dangerous conduct may also result in enforcement action.

Calling something a “prank” does not excuse criminal behavior or actions that place others at risk.

MJPD is asking students to stop and think before participating in these activities and is encouraging parents and guardians to speak directly with their teens about the seriousness of the recent incidents.

A few moments of poor judgment can quickly result in an injury, a vehicle crash, significant property damage, criminal charges, restitution, or consequences that extend far beyond a school tradition.

The Mt. Juliet Police Department’s responsibility is to protect people and property and prevent dangerous behavior from escalating further.

Have fun with your friends. But respect other people, their property, and the safety of everyone in our community.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – A vehicle stolen in Nashville was recovered in Mt. Juliet within hours of being reported stolen after a #MJGuardianShield license plate reader alert helped Mt. Juliet Police officers quickly locate the vehicle and apprehend the driver.

The 2025 Hyundai Elantra was reported stolen in Nashville around 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Later that evening, as the vehicle entered Mt. Juliet from Interstate 40 onto Golden Bear Gateway, a Guardian Shield license plate reader alerted officers to its presence.

Officers immediately responded to the area and began searching for the vehicle. A short time later, an officer spotted the stolen Hyundai traveling through the Amazon warehouse parking lot on Golden Bear Gateway.

Officers quickly contained the vehicle and safely apprehended the driver, identified as a 30-year-old Nashville man, without incident.

For the victim, the recovery means a vehicle stolen only hours earlier can now be returned.

Criminal activity does not stop at city limits. Someone who commits a crime in one community can be in another within minutes. This incident demonstrates why proactive policing, responsible use of technology guided by strict policy, and strong partnerships across jurisdictional lines remain important to protecting Mt. Juliet.

Officers remain focused on making Mt. Juliet a difficult place for those committing crimes to operate, hide, or simply pass through.

The incident also reflects a broader trend encountered by Mt. Juliet officers. During the first six months of 2026, officers apprehended 342 wanted individuals, with 88 percent being non-residents of Mt. Juliet.

The recovery comes as Mt. Juliet continues to experience historically low crime. In 2025, the city recorded its lowest crime rate in modern reporting history.

More information about Mt. Juliet’s 2025 crime data is available at:
https://mjpdnews.org/2026/09/01/mt-juliet-records-lowest-crime-rate-in-modern-reporting-history/

Keeping Mt. Juliet one of Tennessee’s safest cities requires a committed team, strong partnerships, proactive police work, responsible technology, and the continued support of a community that values public safety.

Information about the safeguards, laws, policies, auditing requirements, and privacy protections governing Mt. Juliet’s Guardian Shield license plate reader program is available at:
https://www.mtjuliet-tn.gov/1561/Guardian-Shield-License-Plate-Reader-Pro

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Overnight, Friday, September 11, another wanted individual passing through Mt. Juliet was apprehended after an officer discovered a vehicle connected to the wanted man and uncovered dangerous fentanyl, methamphetamine, and crack cocaine.

The investigation revealed the 44-year-old Chuckey man was wanted out of Greene County for a probation violation related to the sale of methamphetamine. Officers took him into custody, and while handcuffed, he attempted to run but was quickly caught.

Further investigation revealed he was in possession of more than 70 grams of fentanyl, 40 grams of methamphetamine, 8 grams of crack cocaine, and additional plastic bags consistent with drug distribution.

He was booked into the Wilson County Jail on charges related to possession of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and crack cocaine for resale, drug paraphernalia, evading arrest, and his outstanding Greene County warrant.

These results continue to reinforce what our data consistently shows. During the first six months of 2026, Mt. Juliet officers apprehended 342 wanted individuals, and 88% were not residents of our city. That matters because criminal activity does not stop at city limits. Through proactive patrol, strong officer visibility, investigative work, and officers simply paying attention to what is happening around them, our team continues to identify wanted individuals and intercept dangerous drugs before they have an opportunity to further impact our community.

Keeping Mt. Juliet safe takes officers who remain alert and proactive around the clock, strong partnerships with other agencies, and a community that continues to support responsible, proactive public safety.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – A traffic stop for speeding and a seatbelt violation on Interstate 40 East led to the recovery of a stolen handgun, suspected drugs, and the apprehension of a wanted driver Thursday afternoon.

As a Mt. Juliet Police Department officer approached the stopped vehicle, he observed a 34-year-old Nashville man seated in the rear passenger seat holding a handgun in his right hand.

The officer immediately took action to safely disarm the man.

During the investigation, the passenger stated he had been attempting to conceal the handgun in his waistband and did not realize the officer was approaching.

Officers determined the handgun had been reported stolen following a vehicle burglary in East Nashville’s Historic Edgefield neighborhood in July. In that incident, the victim returned to their truck and discovered a window had been smashed and the handgun stolen.

The passenger was also found in possession of suspected ecstasy and marijuana.

The driver, also a 34-year-old Nashville man, was found to have an outstanding Montgomery County warrant for driving on a revoked license. Officers also confirmed his driver license remained revoked.

The incident underscores the unpredictable nature of traffic enforcement. What begins as a speeding or seatbelt violation can quickly develop into an encounter involving a wanted individual, illegal drugs, stolen property, or a firearm.

During the first six months of 2026, Mt. Juliet officers apprehended 342 wanted individuals, 88 percent of whom were non-residents of Mt. Juliet.

Criminal activity does not stop at city limits. Through proactive policing, strong officer visibility, strategic patrol operations, and investigative work, Mt. Juliet officers continue working to identify threats, recover stolen property and weapons, apprehend wanted individuals, and prevent criminal activity from impacting the community.

Keeping Mt. Juliet safe requires vigilant officers, strong partnerships across jurisdictional lines, and the continued support of a community that values proactive public safety.

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