Mt. Juliet Police Newsroom

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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Funeral Arrangements Update:

Escort:

The escort will leave Bond Memorial Funeral Home at Weston Drive at 8:05 a.m. on Saturday, January 9th, travel north to Lebanon Road and then travel west on Lebanon Road to the St. Stephen Catholic Community church. The community is invited to stand roadside to honor Steve Stepaniak and his service to the Mt. Juliet community.

Escort Route Map:

Visitation: Saturday, January 9th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Funeral Mass: Saturday, January 9th at 11:00 a.m.

Location for Visitation and Funeral Mass will be at St. Stephen’s Catholic Community church at 14544 Lebanon Road, Old Hickory, TN 37138. For those who plan to attend, mask use is mandatory.

The funeral Mass will be live-streamed on the St. Stephen Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ststephencatholiccommunitytn/

Original Release:

Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – The Mt. Juliet Police Department suffered a heartbreaking loss overnight. Investigative Division civilian assistant, Steve Stepaniak, was found deceased at his Mt. Juliet residence this morning by his wife. Steve was 70-years-old and served as an employee in the Investigative Division as an administrative assistant and volunteered as a Community Service Officer. Before becoming an employee, he volunteered through the Department’s Citizens Police Academy Alumni program. He was honored as Civilian of the Year for 2019 and is a proud Veteran of the U.S. Navy.

“Steve was a great man who cared deeply about his family, community, and police department. He gave more than was ever expected in his paid role and volunteer role, and he loved helping others and serving the community. We will miss the joy and laughter his presence brought to any room,” stated Police Chief James Hambrick. “Our hearts and support are with his family, and we are ensuring they receive whatever support is needed.”

Before his passing, Steve was experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms, and no further investigation is necessary. Details on funeral arrangements have not been finalized.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – After a substantial rise in COVID-19 cases across Tennessee, the police department is taking additional measures to ensure the safety of staff and preserve public safety response capabilities. The Tennessee Department of Health reported that Tennessee now has the highest infection rate in the country, with more than 40% new cases above average reported and hospital capacity diminishing. The safety and well-being of those who live, work, and visit the Mt. Juliet community is the police department’s utmost concern. Therefore, the department must maintain essential police services to the community, and the department has taken the following steps to protect those we serve and our staff:

• Operations at Mt. Juliet Police Headquarters will be closed to the public at least until January 11, 2021. Victims of a crime will still have access to police assistance at headquarters if phone reporting is not possible.
• Community members who need to report past-occurred crimes, or other crimes which they were inclined to visit police headquarters in-person to report, should call the police department at 615-754-2550 to determine if an officer can assist over the phone, instead of in person.
• If a community member is experiencing an emergency, they should dial 911 and an officer will respond to assist. However, for some non-emergency situations, an officer may be able to help via the phone, or community members can file an online report for specific incidents such as lost property, destruction of property, civil disputes, financial crimes, theft, alcohol violations, or harassing calls/emails. Officers will continue to respond to in-progress incidents, any incident that requires evidence processing, and incidents requiring immediate police intervention.
• Community members can use the Mt. Juliet Police Department’s website at www.mjpd.org to access the Online Reporting System and follow the detailed instructions to see if their incident is reportable online. If anyone has anyone has questions about filing an online report, or if online reporting is not appropriate for their situation, they should contact the police department at 615-754-2550 for assistance.
• The department’s records and court clerk office will be closed to the public until further notice. If anyone needs a copy of a report, please call 615-754-2550 or visit the department’s website at www.mjpd.org. Staff members will make arrangements to mail or email the report.
• There is no traffic court scheduled during this closure, and all traffic school instruction is conducted online.
• All citation payment due dates have been placed on hold until further notice. Those who have due dates during the hold period should not worry. All in-person citation processing has ceased, and those affected will have an opportunity to satisfy their citation at a later date. Those who wish to pay online can continue to do so.
• If anyone calls 911 for an emergency, or the non-emergency dispatch number, 615-754-2550, they should understand that the communication dispatchers have been instructed to ask additional questions regarding possible Coronavirus exposure factors for specific instances. 
• The citizen ride-along program continues to be suspended until further notice.
• Officers continue to take COVID-19 precautions when interacting with community members on calls for service, for both the protection of the person(s) they are assisting, as well as for the officers themselves.

“Tennessee is experiencing a dramatic rise in COVID-19 cases, and just today, five members of our department have tested positive or are experiencing symptoms and are awaiting test results. I continue to strongly encourage everyone to take precautions to limit the spread of the virus”, stated Chief James Hambrick. “While taking precautions within the department, Mt. Juliet’s dedicated police officers and staff continue to work hard to keep our community safe.”

These measures are necessary for the community we serve. For our staff members to adequately provide the level of service to the community it expects, we must consider both the health of the community and our staff members.

These are important reminders on how you can protect your health:

• Wear a mask or face covering when out in public.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you feel ill. 
• Get tested for COVID-19 if you feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing and have been in close contact with a person known to have confirmed coronavirus.
• Stay informed and up to date with information directly from the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html), the Tennessee Department of Health (https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov.html), and Wilson County Emergency Management Agency’s (https://www.wilsonema.com/covid19/) websites.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Two Mt. Juliet police officers graduated with top honors from the Basic Police School at the East Tennessee Regional Law Enforcement Academy in Greeneville, Tennessee this morning. Mt. Juliet’s newest police officers Jacob Berti and Samuel Lewis, along with 35 other law enforcement officers across Tennessee, took part in a graduation ceremony for Class 118 held at Walters State Community College.

Officer Berti served as the Class President and received the Dr. Wade B. McCamey Leadership Award. Before becoming a police officer, he grew up in Old Hickory and attended Donelson Christian Academy. He further graduated from the University of Tennesee – Chattanooga with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science.

Officer Lewis served as a Team Leader and received the Academic Award. Before becoming a police officer, he served in the United States Army in tactical medicine, further graduating from Wright State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.

“On behalf of our department family, we are very proud of their achievement. They performed exceptionally well and represented the Mt. Juliet community in the highest regard. They will be wonderful servants to our community,” stated Police Chief James Hambrick

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – The Mt. Juliet Christmas Parade will affect traffic on the north end of N. Mt. Juliet Road, including Lebanon Road and E. Division Street near Mt. Juliet Road, during midday on Saturday, December 12, 2020. Starting at 10:45 a.m., the following stretch of roadways will be closed:

• N. Mt. Juliet Road, between E. Division Street and Lebanon Road
• Lebanon Road, between N. Mt. Juliet Road and Park Glen Drive
• E. Division St, between N. Mt. Juliet Road and Clemmons Road

Mt. Juliet’s residents and visitors should plan and be aware of the parade, which begins at 11:00 a.m. from the Mt. Juliet League Fields on Lebanon Road, travels down Mt. Juliet Road, and ends at the train station along E. Division St.

If you are attending the parade, the police department suggests that you arrive before the 10:45 a.m. street closures. This will allow plenty of time to find parking. If you are not attending the parade, you may want to avoid the Mt. Juliet Road corridor to reduce your frustration with the road closure and large traffic volume.

All participants and spectators should practice proper COVID-19 precautions. 

Parade Information: Mt. Juliet Christmas Parade Website

Parade Route Map: Google Map of Parade Route

Remember, after the parade, there will be a large amount of vehicle and pedestrian traffic along Mt. Juliet Road in the north end of town. Take your time, and please be considerate. It is estimated that the parade traffic will be clear around 12:30 p.m.

Follow Mt. Juliet Police on Twitter @MtJulietPolice for live and active information about the parade & races as they happen.

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