Mt. Juliet Police Newsroom

Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – The Mt. Juliet Police Department is reminding residents to be careful while discharging fireworks in order to avoid injuries and noise violations as Independence Day approaches.

Fireworks are beautiful, but they can be very dangerous if they are not used safely. It is imperative that fireworks be handled with care to avoid serious burns, eye damage, and even life-threatening injuries. Premature denotation and misuse of fireworks are responsible for many burn injuries every year, which all could be avoided with proper and safe handling. Safety should be everyone’s priority, and parents should always supervise juveniles who are using fireworks. The Mt. Juliet Police Department urges residents to be careful, follow safety precautions, and abide by city ordinances during their holiday celebrations.

In Mt. Juliet, it is unlawful to sell or use fireworks in the city limits except from June 20th through July 5th and December 10th through January 2nd. During this holiday season, fireworks cannot be discharged or used between the hours of 10:00PM – 10:00AM. In addition, fireworks cannot be sold or given to any person under the age of 18. It is permissible for juveniles to use fireworks only if a parent is supervising the activity. Failure to comply with Mt. Juliet’s City Code regulating fireworks could result in a fine.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these common sense safety tips for using consumer fireworks in the hopes that injuries can be greatly reduced:

• Parents and caretakers should always closely supervise juveniles if they are using fireworks.
• Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
• Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
• Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
• Know your fireworks. Read the caution label before igniting.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
• Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor garbage can.
• Avoid using homemade fireworks or illegal explosives: They can be deadly
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

And note these special safety tips, if using sparklers:

• Always remain standing while using sparklers.
• Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.
• Never hold, or light, more than one sparkler at a time.
• Never throw sparklers.
• Sparkler wire and stick remain hot long after the flame has gone out. Be sure to drop spent sparklers in a bucket of water.
• Teach children not to wave sparklers, or run, while holding sparklers.

Enjoy your time with your friends and loved ones. Everyone at the Mt. Juliet Police Department wishes you a happy and safe Independence Day.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Yesterday evening, around 5:30 p.m., officers responded to an incident at a home on W. Division St. after a distraught female called 911 claiming an unknown man was in her home, who was sweating profusely, destroying property, and not speaking clearly.

Officers arrived to find an adult male with indications of a dangerous substance overdose and impairment. As they worked to help the male, he became combative towards two officers, who used compliance techniques in an effort to gain control, which included brief drive stun of a Taser to the leg. The male stopped being combative, and officers were able to handcuff him. While handcuffed, an officer noticed the male was not breathing, and officers immediately removed the handcuffs and began CPR. The adult male was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Per department protocol, the TBI was requested to investigate the incident. This is an active and ongoing investigation as TBI Special Agents work to gather any and all relevant interviews and evidence.

“Our hearts go out to everyone involved in this incident, including the family and loved ones of the deceased and the home’s residents who were impacted,” stated Police Chief James Hambrick. “To ensure our officers conducted themselves properly, I requested the TBI to conduct an independant investigation. In addition, incidents like this are traumatic for our police officers, and those involved have been placed on routine administrative leave. All are in my prayers.”

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Officers are actively investigating an alleged indecent exposure incident near the Mt. Vernon Estates community pool, where a teenage or young adult male exposed himself to individuals. On Friday, June 11, 2021, around 9:36 p.m., a passenger exited a vehicle at the intersection of W. Wilson Blvd and Sheila Ann Dr then screamed to the individuals at the pool to look in his direction, where he was allegedly nude. When confronted by a parent, the suspect got back into the vehicle and sped away. The suspect was described as a white male, approximately 16 to 24-years-old, and the vehicle was described as a silver or gray 4-door car.

Detectives hope residents in the area would review their surveillance camera footage to see if it captured valuable video to help in the investigation. The best time range to check video would be around 9:36 p.m. on 6/11/2021.

Anyone with any information regarding this crime is encouraged to call the Mt. Juliet Police Department at (615) 754-2550. Information can also be given anonymously by calling (615) 754-TIPS (8477) or via the Mt. Juliet Police Department website at http://www.mjpd.org/.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Two Mt. Juliet police officers graduated from the Basic Police School at the East Tennessee Regional Law Enforcement Academy in Greeneville, Tennessee this morning. Mt. Juliet’s newest police officers Zachary Kamer and Jason Messick, along with 45 other law enforcement officers across Tennessee, took part in a graduation ceremony for Class 120 held at Walters State Community College.

Before becoming a police officer, Officer Kamer grew up in Lebanon and attended Lebanon High School. Before joining the department, he served at the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office.

Before becoming a police officer, Officer Messick grew up in Troy and attended Obion County Central, further graduating from the University of Memphis with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He served as a college intern at the department during his studies.

“On behalf of our department family, we are proud of their achievement. They performed well and shined a positive light on the Mt. Juliet community. They will be wonderful servants to our residents and visitors,” stated Police Chief James Hambrick.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Detectives are investigating an armed robbery of a person and an unlocked car burglary incident that occurred overnight along Devonshire Drive. Around 11:40 p.m. on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, an adult male victim, sitting at Devonshire Drive pond pier, was approached by two suspects, described as Black male teenagers wearing hooded sweatshirts, face masks, and armed with handguns. While pointing handguns at the victim, the suspects demanded items of value and told the victim to turn around and count while they ran away from the scene. After the suspects ran away, the victim heard a car start-up, which quickly fled towards Lebanon Road. Due to a blocked view, the victim could not describe the car. Thankfully, the victim was not injured.

An unlocked car burglary also occurred on Sunnyhilll Dr, a Devonshire Drive sidestreet, where a handgun and iPad were stolen. It is believed that the armed robbery suspects were out attempting unlocked car burglaries when they noticed the victim and took the opportunity to rob him. 

Detectives hope residents in the area will review their surveillance camera footage to see if it captured valuable video to help in the investigation. The best time range to check video would be 11:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on 4/14/2021.

Anyone with any information regarding this crime is encouraged to call the Mt. Juliet Police Department at (615) 754-2550. Information can also be given anonymously by calling (615) 754-TIPS (8477) or via the Mt. Juliet Police Department website at http://www.mjpd.org/.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Detectives are actively investigating a brutal sexual assault, where a suspect followed an adult female home from a Nashville club, forced his way into the victim’s apartment, and brutally sexually assaulted the victim. The suspect is also wanted in large thefts in Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi. During the early morning hours of Tuesday, April 6, an adult male suspect, pictured in attached surveillance images, arrived at the Deja Vu adult club at Church Street in Nashville and began behaving suspiciously. The suspect waited for the victim to leave, and he followed the victim to Mt. Juliet in a newer-model Maroon Cadillac CTS with no license plate. Once in Mt. Juliet, the suspect forced his way into the victim’s apartment at Providence Trail Apartments, where he struck the victim with a handgun, tied the victim up, and sexually assaulted the victim multiple times. He stole a large sum of cash and fled.

The suspect was also involved in grab-and-run thefts from the Kay Jewelers in Slidell, Louisiana, Fultondale, Alabama, and Hattiesburg, Mississippi. It is possible that the suspect is committing crimes across the southeast and will continue to do so.

“Our detectives are aggressively investigating this awful crime. The suspect is a dangerous person, and he must be apprehended soon before there are more victims,” stated Chief James Hambrick. “If anyone thinks they know who the suspect is, they are urged to give us a call.”

Once identified, detectives will seek charges in the Mt. Juliet incident for four counts of Aggravated Rape, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Robbery, Especially Aggravated Burglary, and Aggravated Assault. To ensure justice for the victim and get the dangerous suspect off the streets, the Mt. Juliet Police Department offers a $2,000 reward for information that leads to the suspect’s arrest and conviction.

Anyone with any information regarding this crime is encouraged to call the Mt. Juliet Police Department at (615) 754-2550. Information can also be given anonymously by calling (615) 754-TIPS (8477) or via the Mt. Juliet Police Department website at http://www.mjpd.org/.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – The department honored many staff members who went above and beyond during 2020, including all staff members who contributed to the 2020 tornado response effort. On Friday, March 26, Mt. Juliet Police Department’s annual 2020 award banquet was held, hosted by Joy Church at 10085 Lebanon Road. It was held later than usual due to previous COVID-19 restrictions.

The top award of the year went to Sergeant Robert Kimbrough, who received the Sgt. Jerry Mundy Employee of the Year award. Sgt. Kimbrough served as the B-Detail supervisor and faced many challenges during 2020. Regardless of those challenges, he pushed through with intense dedication, and his patrol shift excelled through his leadership.

Award of Valor Recipients

Recipients of this award placed themselves in danger to save another human being.

Water Rescue of Teenager – Sergeant Robert Kimbrough

On June 30, 2020, Sgt. Kimbrough, Corporal Barth, Officer Gibbs, and Capt. Chandler responded to flooded Cedar Creek, behind Pisano Street, regarding a 14-year-old female swept away in the swift water and now hanging on to a tree branch. Sgt. Kimbrough shed his gear, placed his floatation vest on, and immediately entered the swift water, while tethered to a rope held by Cpl. Barth, Ofc. Gibbs, and Capt. Chandler. Their efforts led to saving the female’s life. For this incident, Cpl. Barth, Ofc. Gibbs, and Capt. Chandler received Life-Saving Award, and for Sgt. Kimbrough’s efforts in placing himself in danger, he received the Valor Award.

Assault with a Vehicle – Corporal Chris Barth & Corporal Shanna Drake

On October 12, 2020, a suspect in a stolen car ran from officers, crashed into a guardrail, reversed towards a patrol vehicle, then reversed again, accelerating towards Officer Barth and Cpl. Drake, who just exited their patrol vehicles. Their efforts, while in harm’s way, led to no loss of life.

Person Armed with a Knife – Officer Jacob Berti

On March 19, 2021, a 911 call came in about a disorderly person. Officer Berti was on his way home, just streets down from the call. He arrived on the scene first to discover an adult male exiting the home with a large knife in his hand. The individual continued to advance towards Berti, making threats and urging Berti to shoot. The advance continued three houses down the street as Berti continued to give commands, working to calm the individual and ensuring no one else was in danger. Then, the individual turned around and advanced towards his family members out in front of the home. Berti then had to convince the family members to go back inside, out of the individual’s path. When the individual reached the front porch, he dropped the knife, and Berti took the advantage to take the individual into custody.

Award of Life Saving Recipients

Recipients of this award selflessly rendered lifesaving aid to a fellow human being. It recognizes their actions that saved a life.

Child Suffocating from Seat Belt – Detective Patrick Fegan

On December 26, 2019, Mt. Juliet Fire and Medical personnel were dispatched to 200 South Mt. Juliet Road, where an 8-year-old child was choking with a seat belt wrapped around the neck. Det. Fegan was in the area conducting an investigation. He heard the call, responded, and saw parents and employees attempting to rescue the child. Det. Fegan quickly cut the seat belt from the child’s neck and saved the child’s life.

(Not Pictured)

Gunshots Victim – Sergeant Lance Schneider & Corporal Michael Cordle

On January 20, 2020, Sgt. Schneider and Cpl. Cordle responded to 120 Providence Trail after an adult female was shot multiple times by a family member. Schneider and Cordle immediately worked together and rendered aid to the victim until medics arrived. At the same time, they successfully directed officers to the suspect, who took him into custody without incident.

Teenager in Mental Health Crisis – Corporal Chris Barth, Officer Cameron Hoppe, & Officer April Jamison

On April 30, 2020, Cpl. Barth, Ofc. Hoppe and Officer Jamison responded to a mental health crisis call in a neighborhood, where a teenager had wandered into nearby woods to end their life by hanging. Officers located the teenager in a tree, with a rope around the neck and ready to jump. Officers worked together to successfully calm and render aid to the individual, which ultimately saved the individual’s life.

Water Rescue of Teenager – Corporal Chris Barth, Officer Ben Gibbs, & Captain Tyler Chandler

On June 30, 2020, Sgt. Kimbrough, Corporal Barth, Officer Gibbs, and Capt. Chandler responded to flooded Cedar Creek, behind Pisano Street, regarding a 14-year-old female swept away in the swift water and now hanging on to a tree branch. Sgt. Kimbrough shed his gear, placed his floatation vest on, and immediately entered the swift water, while tethered to a rope held by Cpl. Barth, Ofc. Gibbs, and Capt. Chandler. Their efforts led to saving the female’s life. For this incident, Cpl. Barth, Ofc. Gibbs, and Capt. Chandler received Life-Saving Award, and for Sgt. Kimbrough’s efforts in placing himself in danger, he received the Valor Award.

Award of Meritorious Conduct Recipients

Recipients of this award performed with extraordinary and exceptional police performance. It recognizes their actions that made a significant impact.

Tornado Response – All Employees who Assisted in the Tornado Response

On March 3, 2020, a terrible, devasting tornado tore through Mt. Juliet, leaving devastation and three lives cut short. The entire department contributed to the response effort, and they all were honored with the Award of Meritorious Conduct.

New Computer-Aided Dispatch & Records Management System Deployment – Supervisor Richard Frankich

A new Computer Aided Dispatch and Records Management System was deployed throughout 2020, and Richard Frankich was the lead and very instrumental in its development, deployment, and continued success.

Mask Production – Evidence Coordinator Sandy Dempsey

Throughout 2020, COVID-19 struck our nation, and there was a great need for masks or face-coverings to help prevent the spread of the virus. Sandy quickly asked for approval and dedicated many days at the office and at home to produce multiple masks that were distributed to our staff and community members.

THP Assistance – Detective Jonathan Pannell

On December 30, 2019, Det. Pannell was traveling while off-duty to Texas. In West Tennessee, he noticed a TN Highway Patrol Trooper attempting to stop a motorist. He eventually exited at the next exit to use the restroom when he saw that same Trooper, under duress, trying to take the suspect into custody. He was able to assist the Trooper, and they safely took the suspect into custody. Such selfless acts prevented the encounter from becoming worse.

(Not Pictured)

CPR of Overdose Victim – Corporal Chris Barth & Officer Jordan Brown

On October 9, 2020, officers responded to a home where an adult female had overdosed on pills. Ofc. Barth & Ofc. Brown found her in the restroom, naked, blue, not breathing, and minimal to zero heart activity amongst human waste. They immediately performed CPR for an extended period in an effort to save her life. While she ultimately succumbed to the overdose later at the hospital, their efforts displayed service above self and life-saving actions, regardless of the conditions.

CPR of Heart Attack Patient – Corporal Chris Barth

On October 10, 2020, Corporal Barth responded to a home for an unresponsive 80-year-old who had a long history of cardiac issues. Cpl. Barth immediately began CPR, and he continued through over 10 minutes while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. While he ultimately succumbed to the medical event later at the hospital, his efforts displayed service above self throughout the extended life-saving attempt.

Other employees honored include:

Sergeant Cory Cook – Chief’s Award

R. Lieutenant Andy Long – Chief’s Award

Communications Supervisor Tracy Evans – Supervisor of the Year

Cpl. Detective Josh Workman – Investigator of the Year

Specialized Officer of the Year – Officer Jamie Fialkowski

Patrol Officer of the Year – Officer Cameron Hoppe

Officer Chad Richards – Reserve Officer of the Year

Steve Stepaniak Civilian of the Year Award – Roderick Jones

Civilian Volunteer of the Year – Karen Ackerman

Most DUI Convictions – Officer  Casey Clark

Most DUI Convictions Runner-up – Officer Austin Myers

Most Weapon Violation Arrests – Officer Jordan Brown

Most Weapon Violation Arrests Runner-up – Officer Jason Thomas

Most Street Level Drug Arrests – Officer Justin Angle

Most Street Level Drug Arrests Runner-up – Officer Cameron Hoppe

Most Traffic Safety Initiative – Officer Michael Wentzell

Most Traffic Safety Initiative Runner-up – Corporal Michael Cordle

Most Proactive Criminal Enforcement – Sergeant Scott Fulton

Most Proactive Criminal Enforcement Runner-up – Officer Cameron Hoppe

Top Reserve Officer Volunteer Hours – Lieutenant Andy Long

Top Reserve Officer Hours Dedicated to Patrol – Sergeant Sam Shallenberger

Top Reserve Officer Hours Dedicated to Special Events – Officer Chad Richards

Top Reserve Officer Hours Dedicated to Civic Meeting & Court Security – Officer Troy Davis

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Detectives quickly recovered two firearms after a Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) cruiser was burglarized early yesterday morning, and two juveniles have been charged. Officers responded to a report of two vehicle burglaries on Hickory Station Lane yesterday. One of those vehicles was an unmarked THP cruiser, and its contents were spread across the area. A shotgun and rifle were stolen, and detectives quickly began pursuing leads and additional evidence.

This afternoon, the department received a tip that led detectives to a nearby home, and detectives found the stolen firearms in the bedroom of a 17-year-old male. Further investigation led detectives to a 15-year-old male, who was part of the burglary with the 17-year-old. Both have been charged with Burglary and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. The stolen firearms were returned to the THP.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – After being diagnosed with a potentially career-ending injury, K9 Majlo (“My-low”) has recovered and returned to full duty after receiving advanced care. In September of 2020, Majlo’s partner, Officer Chris Barth, noticed that Majlo raised his rear right leg as if he was in pain. Once the possible injury was noticed, Majlo was transported to his local veterinarian to conduct an in-depth review. The veterinarian team revealed an internal tendon injury to the right hind leg. That original injury likely led to an internal tendon injury to his left hind leg as well. To ensure Majlo’s quality of life prevailed, and at the recommendation of his vet care team, Majlo received advanced care at the University of Knoxville – College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM).

Majlo’s treatment and rehabilitation program through UTCVM led to his recovery from the injuries. He can now return to full-duty, just like his past performance, where he has apprehended actively resisting, dangerous criminals, tracked suspects through rugged terrain, tracked missing persons, and detected illegal narcotics.

“The department is most appreciative of the staff at UTCVM and Majlo’s local veterinarian, Dr. Nicole Harris at Avenue Animal Hospital, who has and continues to be so gracious and caring of Majlo,” stated Chief James Hambrick. “Equally, the department is grateful for the support from city leadership and the Board of Commissioners, who ensured funding was available for Majlo’s treatment. This has been a true team effort, and the Mt. Juliet community is safer and better for it.”

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