Mt. Juliet Police Newsroom

Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – The Mt. Juliet Police Department has announced two important leadership advancements, promoting Tracy Evans as the department’s first Director of the Advanced Response Communications Center and appointing Corporal-Detective McKenzie Reingardt to an expanded leadership role within the Office of the Chief.

Tracy Evans Promoted as MJPD’s First ARCC Director, Making Department History

Tracy Evans assumed the leadership role as the first Director of the Advanced Response Communications Center (ARCC). She has served the Mt. Juliet community for 18 years, beginning her career as a dispatcher before advancing through the ranks as Dispatch Lead, Dispatch Supervisor, and now ARCC Director. Before joining MJPD, she served five years as a dispatcher with the Metro Nashville Police Department and four years in the United States Army.

Surrounded by family during her promotion ceremony—including her mother and stepfather, her husband of 25 years, her older brother, and two of her three sons—Director Evans was celebrated not only for her professional accomplishments, but also for the character and leadership she demonstrates each day. Family members shared heartfelt stories about her dedication to serving others, while coworkers spoke about the positive impact she has had on the department and the employees she leads.

“My mom taught me everything about my work ethic,” Evans shared. “She taught me to always work hard, keep my head up, and persevere.”

Her promotion also marks a historic milestone. Director Evans is the first woman in department history to reach this level of command. Within the department’s command structure, the ARCC Director is equivalent to the rank of lieutenant, making her promotion especially significant.

Chief Tyler Chandler stated, “Tracy has been a steady and trusted leader for the department’s communications team and an invaluable member of MJPD. Her professionalism, integrity, and commitment to both employees and the community represent the very best of public service.”

With her promotion, Director Evans also joins the department’s Command Staff, ensuring the ARCC and its employees have a strong voice in department-wide leadership and decision-making. The communications center has grown rapidly in recent years with the addition of fire and emergency medical dispatching responsibilities.

The ARCC 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. Mt. Juliet residents receive the enhanced benefit of city-provided police, fire, and emergency medical services working together through one communications center.

McKenzie Reingardt Takes on Expanded Leadership Role in the Office of the Chief

As part of this leadership transition, Corporal-Detective McKenzie Reingardt has taken on an expanded leadership role within the Office of the Chief, where she will oversee public information responsibilities and coordinate special projects.

Reingardt is a six-year member of the Mt. Juliet Police Department and most recently served within the Investigations Division. In that role, she handled some of the department’s most significant investigations and worked closely with victims and their families to help them receive answers, support, and justice.

She is also a credentialed Master Public Information Officer through the University of Tennessee’s Law Enforcement Innovation Center. Her investigative experience, communication training, and commitment to serving the community will strengthen the department’s continued focus on transparency, public engagement, and accurate communication.

Chief Tyler Chandler stated. “McKenzie has a natural ability to connect with people, communicate clearly, and build trust. Her experience, judgment, and genuine commitment to our community make her an excellent fit for this role. I am confident she will help us continue strengthening transparency, expanding meaningful outreach, and ensuring our community remains informed and connected to its police department.”

Please join us in congratulating Director Tracy Evans on this well-earned and historic promotion, and in recognizing Corporal McKenzie Reingardt as she steps into her expanded leadership role within the Office of the Chief.

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The Department has received an increased number of complaints, questions, and concerns about juveniles and unlicensed drivers operating motorcycles, dirt bikes, golf carts, low-speed vehicles, and other electric vehicles on city streets and neighborhood streets open for public travel. Most neighborhood streets in the city are public streets open for public travel.

We know these vehicles are popular, and many families may not realize that some of them are not treated like bicycles under Tennessee law. Some may look like an e-bike or golf cart, but if they do not meet the legal requirements, they may be considered a motor vehicle and may require a driver’s license, registration, insurance, and required safety equipment before being operated on a public roadway.

Our goal is simple: keep everyone safe and ensure families understand the rules before anyone gets hurt or cited.

Electric Bicycles & Electric Scooters

Under Tennessee law, a legal electric bicycle must generally have fully operable pedals, two or three wheels, and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.

Electric bicycles are divided into three classes:

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only, with assistance ending at 20 mph.
• Class 2: Throttle-assisted, with assistance ending at 20 mph.
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only, with assistance ending at 28 mph.

Beginning July 1, 2026, Class 3 e-bike riders must be at least 16 years old.

Electric scooters fall under the same Tennessee laws as bicycles and e-bikes.

Motorcycles and High-Powered Electric Vehicles

Many electric vehicles being sold today have motors ranging from 1,000 watts to 6,000+ watts and can travel 30 to 65+ mph. These are not typical e-bikes.

If operated on a public roadway, these vehicles are classified as a motor scooter, motorcycle, or another type of motor vehicle. That means the operator will need:

• A proper driver license or motorcycle license/permit
• Registration
• Insurance
• Required safety equipment

A motorcycle operated on a public road generally requires one of the following:

• Class M license
• Class M-Limited license
• Motorcycle learner permit

The minimum age is generally 15 for a Class M-Limited license or motorcycle learner permit, and 16 for a Class M license.

Dirt Bikes: In Tennessee, riding a dirt bike on public roads is unlawful unless the bike is legally converted, titled, and registered as a street-legal motorcycle . Otherwise, dirt bikes are classified as Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) and are restricted to off-road trails, private property, or designated OHV parks.

Simple way to look at it:
If the vehicle does not have operable pedals, its top speed is over 28 mph, has an electric motor of 750 watts or greater, it is not an e-bicycle, it is a motorcycle that, if operated on a public street, requires licensing/registration that needs to be completed before it is street legal.

Golf Carts

A golf cart is designed and manufactured for use on a golf course, is not capable of exceeding 20 mph, and is not the same as a street-legal low-speed vehicle.

Traditional golf carts are not lawful for travel on city streets open for public travel. Golf carts may not simply be used like cars.

Low-Speed Vehicles

A low-speed vehicle is different from a golf cart. Under Tennessee law, a low-speed vehicle is a four-wheel electric or gasoline vehicle, excluding golf carts, with a top speed greater than 20 mph but not greater than 25 mph. Some “golf carts” can be upgraded and modified to meet the law requirements to be considered as a low-speed vehicle.

Low-speed vehicles must meet federal safety standards, be properly registered, and be operated by a licensed driver. They may only be operated on streets with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less.

Low-speed vehicles must have required safety equipment, including items such as:

• Headlights
• Front and rear turn signals
• Taillights
• Brake lights
• Reflectors
• Mirrors
• Parking brake
• Windshield meeting federal standards
• Vehicle identification number
• Seatbelts for each seating position

A modified golf cart is not automatically street legal. If it does not meet all low-speed vehicle requirements, it cannot be operated on public roadways.

More information on low-speed, medium-speed, and off-highway vehicles can be found here: More Info

Parents and Guardians

Please take time to check what your child or teen is riding. Many of these vehicles are fast, heavy, and difficult for young riders to control around traffic, pedestrians, and parked vehicles.

Before allowing anyone to ride or drive on a public street, please make sure:

• The vehicle is legally allowed on the roadway
• The operator is old enough
• The operator has the required license or permit, if needed
• The vehicle is registered and insured, if required
• Required safety equipment is installed and working
• Helmets and other protective gear are used

We want everyone to enjoy these vehicles safely, but they must be operated legally and responsibly. Officers may take enforcement action when vehicles are being operated unlawfully or in a way that creates a safety risk.

Thank you for helping us keep Mt. Juliet’s streets and neighborhoods safe.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Mt. Juliet’s Independence Day fireworks show will launch at 9:00 p.m. on July 4th from the Circle P Ranch, and the show can be viewed across much of central Mt. Juliet. Leading up to the show will be live music, kid activities, and food vendors starting at 5:30 p.m. at Circle P Ranch (gates open at 4:30 p.m.), which is on W. Division St near E. Main St. To ensure the event is safe and enjoyable for everyone, Mt. Juliet Police and Fire will be on site with roaming patrols and a security and first aid station in the parking lot of Cloyd’s Cumberland Presbyterian Church (595 W. Division St). The fireworks presentation, presented by Circle P Ranch, Volunteer Bank, Two Rivers Ford, TDS Telecom, and the City of Mt. Juliet, will begin around 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 4th, 2026.

Premium, excellent viewing for the fireworks will be available at Circle P Ranch, the church parking lot along Tate Lane, the train depot, and parking lots near Mt. Juliet Road and Division Street. Good views will also extend to the area parking lots along Mt. Juliet Road from Old Lebanon Dirt Road and the Post Office. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for a good viewing location.

The following link provides an interactive map of viewing locations: Google Map of Show Viewing Locations

The community should be mindful of the following traffic exit plan:

• W. DIVISION ST WILL BE CLOSED FROM 9 PM TO 10 PM FROM BROOKSTONE BLVD TO MT. JULIET RD TO ALLOW FOR EVENT EXIT TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
• TRAFFIC EXITING BETWEEN E. MAIN ST AND BROOKSTONE BLVD WILL BE DIRECTED WESTBOUND TO S. GREENHILL RD
• TRAFFIC EXITING BETWEEN 4TH AVE AND MT. JULIET RD WILL BE DIRECTED EASTBOUND TO MT. JULIET RD

A second Independence Day celebration and fireworks show, organized by Needham’s Nursery and Landscaping, is taking place in the area of Mt. Juliet Christian Academy, West Wilson Middle, and Stoner Creek Elementary school. The activities begin at 7:00 p.m. and fireworks kick-off at 9:00 p.m. Mt. Juliet Police and Fire will also be onsite and in the area to ensure this event is a safe and enjoyable one for all.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. — Mt. Juliet Police have arrested the individual responsible for vandalizing multiple political signs overnight at the corner of Lebanon Road and North Mt. Juliet Road.

At approximately 9:00 a.m. today, an officer responded to police headquarters to take a report from a victim regarding political sign vandalism that occurred overnight. During the investigation, officers reviewed surveillance video from the area, which captured the suspect damaging multiple signs at around 3:00 a.m. before entering a nearby vehicle and leaving the area.

Investigators quickly developed leads when a license plate reader captured the vehicle’s license plate as it traveled through the area. Using that information, officers identified the suspect and responded, along with a detective, to his residence.

During the encounter, the suspect admitted to vandalizing the signs.

As a result of the investigation, 18-year-old Lucas Reiter of Mt. Juliet was arrested and booked into the Wilson County Jail on a charge of Felony Vandalism (TCA 39-14-408).

The Department reminds the community that political signs are protected property, and intentionally damaging or destroying them is a criminal offense. We remain committed to protecting the rights of all individuals to lawfully express their views and participate in the democratic process.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – The Mt. Juliet Police Department is proud to announce the graduation of Officers Terrence Harris and Melissa Young from the Walters State Community College Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy. The two officers were among 50 law enforcement professionals from across Tennessee recognized during today’s graduation ceremony for Class 140.

Officer Melissa Young distinguished herself throughout the academy by serving as the Class Executive Officer and earning the prestigious TN Association of Chiefs of Police Outstanding Achievement award, an honor presented to a graduate who demonstrates exceptional effort and commitment to service. A Mt. Juliet resident and graduate of Tennessee Technological University, Young joins the department with previous law enforcement experience and service in state government.

Officer Terrence Harris, also a Mt. Juliet resident, is a graduate of Wilson Central High School and Cumberland University. Prior to joining the department, Harris served as a student intern with the Mt. Juliet Police Department while completing his bachelor’s degree, gaining valuable experience and insight into public service.

The graduation marks an important milestone as both officers begin their careers serving the community they call home.

Chief Tyler Chandler – “I’m proud of Melissa and Terrence and the way they represented Mt. Juliet throughout the academy. Both chose to serve the community where they live, and that says a great deal about their character and commitment. We believe strong relationships, a positive culture, and investing in people matter. When those things come together, they attract talented individuals who are passionate about serving others and making a difference.”

The Mt. Juliet Police Department continues to be a destination agency for men and women pursuing a career in law enforcement. Supported by an engaged community, strong city leadership, modern resources, and a culture focused on service and professionalism, the department consistently attracts a highly qualified applicant pool for a limited number of positions.

Through a rigorous selection process, the department recruits individuals committed to excellence, integrity, and public service. That commitment has helped the agency maintain a low vacancy rate, if any, while continuing to strengthen partnerships and enhance public safety throughout the community.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – The Mt. Juliet Police Department is excited to welcome another four-legged member to the team, K9 Reign.

After completing eight weeks of training, Officer Harper and K9 Reign successfully certified under the United States Police Canine Association standards in obedience, evidence search, suspect search, and criminal apprehension with and without gunfire. Reign will also be certified as a narcotics detection dog in the near future.

As a dual-purpose K9, Reign will assist in building searches, tracking missing persons and suspects, article searches, narcotics detection, and criminal apprehensions. Officer Reese Harper and K9 Reign will work opposite shifts from Officer Brown and K9 Citron to help ensure K9 coverage during peak activity times in the city.

Officer Chase Hale, who oversees training for our K9 teams, has dedicated countless hours to ensuring the success and readiness of these teams.

“Adding K9 Reign to our team strengthens our ability to serve and protect the Mt. Juliet community,” said Chief Tyler Chandler. “These K9 teams are an invaluable resource that enhances officer safety and helps us locate missing persons, track suspects, recover evidence, and combat illegal narcotics activity. I am proud of Officer Harper and K9 Reign for their hard work and successful certification. I also want to recognize Officer Hale for the countless hours he invests in training and developing our K9 teams. His knowledge, dedication, and commitment to excellence play a critical role in the success of our handlers and K9s, and our department is stronger because of his efforts.”

Update on K9 Aksel

After months of recovery from a serious on-duty injury, Aksel officially retired from police service and is now in the next chapter of his life with a familiar and caring MJPD family. Aksel was injured in a vehicle crash while responding with his handler, Officer Harper, to a violent emergency call. Although his injuries were initially stabilized and every effort was made to help him recover, his leg never fully healed. Following multiple procedures and extensive rehabilitation, Aksel’s veterinary team ultimately recommended amputation to provide him with the best long-term quality of life.

With his retirement from active police service, the department was grateful Aksel remained within the Mt. Juliet Police family. Reserve Police Officer Brian Dalhover stepped forward to adopt Aksel. He and his wife, Dominique, have brought Aksel into their home and hearts—giving him the love, support, and stability he deserves. Brian and his wife, Dominique, have embraced Aksel as part of their family.

We are also deeply thankful for the support of Project K9 Hero, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to caring for retired police K9s. Because of their generosity, Aksel’s ongoing medical care is fully covered, helping ensure he has the healthy and happy retirement he deserves.

The Department is so grateful for our community. The continued support, encouragement, and care for our department and K9 teams never go unnoticed. These dogs are more than partners; they provide an extra layer of protection for our community and our officers.

Team MJPD is proud to continue investing in resources that help keep Mt. Juliet one of the safest cities around. Thank you for continuing to stand beside us. Together, we will keep working to make Mt. Juliet a safe place to live, work, and raise a family.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – This afternoon, the Department proudly recognized three outstanding officers during a promotion ceremony surrounded by their families and fellow team members. Chief Chandler presented each officer with their promotion plaque, marking an important milestone in their careers.

Officer Brian Cruz has been promoted to Detective and will serve in the Criminal Investigations Unit.

Officer Devin Foley has been promoted to Corporal and will take on a leadership role with a supervision team on D-Detail patrol.

Corporal Ethan Bachman has been promoted to Sergeant and will lead B-Detail patrol.

Chief Chandler stated, “I’m proud of these men and the work they’ve put in to earn this moment. Promotions like this don’t happen by chance. They come from long days, tough calls, and a steady commitment to doing the job the right way, even when no one is watching. Detective Cruz, Corporal Foley, and Sergeant Bachman have each proven they’re ready to take the next step, and I have full confidence in the leadership they’ll bring to their new roles. Just as important, we recognize the families who stand beside them and support this calling every single day. This is a good day for our department and for the community we serve.”

Please join us in congratulating Detective Cruz, Corporal Foley, and Sergeant Bachman on their well-earned promotions.

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Statement from Chief Chandler:

Over the past two days, we’ve seen the impact of anonymous calls with threats directed at West Wilson Middle School. These calls came into our Advanced Response Communications Center as automated messages. As soon as they were received, we immediately notified the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, Wilson County Schools leadership, and our state partners so we could respond quickly, thoroughly, and in a coordinated way.

At this point, as the Sheriff’s Office has released, we have found no credible threat to the safety of our students, staff, or community.

Even with that being the case, I’ve seen the worry this caused, and it’s completely understandable. When something like this involves our schools and our kids, it’s going to create concern. It’s upsetting because we work hard every single day to make sure this community, your families, and your kids can live in peace. That peace matters here in Mt. Juliet, and when something like this disrupts it, it weighs on all of us.

Being on scene both days, the level of care from everyone working to make a difficult situation better was clear and left a lasting impression. Principal Josh Johnston and his team did everything they could to support their students and staff. Teachers and support staff stepped up in a big way to provide as much normalcy as possible for the students. WCSO SRO David Stolinsky was right there in the middle of it, helping manage everything that comes with a situation like this. Many other schools, like Stoner Creek Elementary and MJCA, felt the impacts as well.

And on the law enforcement side, I saw exactly what you’d expect from the people who serve you. Our officers and the Sheriff’s Office deputies worked side by side from the very beginning. Communication was strong. Coordination was strong. They didn’t miss a step.

We put more than 20 MJPD additional personnel around our schools and maintained an elevated operational posture across the city. That included increased patrols, added presence at schools, and a very deliberate focus on visibility, because you deserved to see that your kids were safe. That presence was about protection and giving our community peace of mind. One example is this moment, I saw at Stoner Creek Elementary, where Det. McKenzie Favors was hanging out with some students while keeping watch over them.

 

Beyond what occurred at the schools, our teams were also working behind the scenes, following leads, analyzing information, and coordinating with our partners to track down where these calls came from. That work is ongoing.

I also received calls from across our community and our partner agencies. From our City’s elected leadership, including Kenny Martin and our City Manager’s Office, to Wilson County Schools Director Jeff Luttrell, District Attorney General Jason Lawson, the County Mayor’s Office, our state and federal partners, and of course constant communication with Wilson County Sheriff’s Office leadership. Every one of those conversations had the same tone. They care about this community, and they were asking what they could do to help.

Throughout all of this, our team felt the support from this community. I heard from many of our officers and staff about the encouragement they received, the appreciation that was shared, and the simple thank yous from people they encountered. That kind of support matters. It reinforces the trust between this department and the community we serve, and it reminds our team why they do this job.

The investigation is being led by the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office since this involves a county school, and our detectives are continuing to assist them however needed. Every available investigative tool and resource is being used right now. Technology has been a major asset in helping us protect this community and reduce crime over the years. But as communication technology has evolved, it has also created new challenges for investigations and, unfortunately, makes it easier for anonymous threats like this to be sent. Even with those challenges, law enforcement continues to push forward to try to figure it out.

Moments like this are frustrating. Not because we don’t know how to respond, but because they disrupt something we all care deeply about, which is the sense of safety and normalcy in our community. Over the past couple of days, we’ve seen what really defines this community. People stepping up, looking out for one another, and doing everything they can to support our kids. That matters, and it’s something to be proud of.

As we move into the Easter weekend, I hope you’re able to spend time with the people you care about and find some calm after everything this week has brought. Even in difficult moments, light overcomes darkness, and this community shows that every day. We will keep showing up on our end. We will stay focused, stay ready, and continue doing everything we can to protect this community and preserve the peace that makes Mt. Juliet such a special place to live.

Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – This morning, the Department received another threat of violence directed toward West Wilson Middle School. Similar to the previous incident, the threat was delivered through an automated message after being answered by our Advanced Response Communications Center.

Details of the threat are being kept confidential to protect the investigative efforts of the ongoing investigation. Protecting certain information ensures investigative techniques remain effective and supports our ability to identify those responsible and hold them fully accountable

Following established protocols, the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, which has primary jurisdiction over county school property, was immediately notified with Wilson County Schools leadership. The Tennessee Department of Homeland Security is also actively assisting in the investigation and response.

School administrators at West Wilson Middle School and nearby Stoner Creek Elementary have communicated directly with students, staff, and families to keep them informed.

Out of an abundance of caution, MJPD will maintain an elevated operational posture across all schools within the city. This includes an increased law enforcement presence and additional personnel dedicated specifically to school safety. These measures are proactive, coordinated, and focused on prevention, rapid response, and maintaining a secure environment for students and staff.

MJPD remains in close partnership with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office and their School Resource Officers. While WCSO SROs have primary jurisdiction on school campuses, our officers work alongside them daily through coordinated patrols, shared communication, joint response planning, and unified training. This collaboration ensures seamless cooperation and a strong, visible law enforcement presence.

The safety of our community remains our highest priority. Protecting our children is at the center of everything we do. While the origin and intent behind this threat is still under investigation, it is important to remember that making threats of violence is a serious criminal offense and will be thoroughly investigated.

We encourage anyone with information related to this incident to contact the Mt. Juliet Police Department at 615-754-2550. Information can also be provided to the Tennessee Department of Homeland Security Tip Line at 877-250-2333.

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