Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – After dedicating investigative resources to determine who was responsible for burglarizing homes in the Clearview Estates neighborhood, Mt. Juliet Police have captured the daytime burglars. On Wednesday, April 24th, an anonymous tip led to the possible identities of the burglars after a tipster saw a local news story on Nashville’s WSMV – Channel 4 about the break-ins. Mt. Juliet Police detectives identified the possible offenders as Christopher Bly, 39, and Keaton Garner, 21, both of Nashville. They were tracked down in Tunica, Mississippi, and undercover officers from Mt. Juliet were able to locate the criminal duo’s vehicle. The vehicle, owned by Bly, matched the description of the burglary suspect vehicle perfectly. Surveillance was established on the vehicle, and the suspects were followed back from Mississippi to Nashville on Thursday, April 25th. When they arrived in Nashville, they were apprehended on an existing warrant from Coffee County, Tennessee at a home on Shauna Drive in Nashville with the assistance from Metro-Nashville Police.
“I’m honored that our Detectives and Crime Suppression Unit were able to track down these thieves who jeopardized the safety of our neighborhoods,” stated Mt. Juliet Police Chief James Hambrick, “The assistance of local media was outstanding. It enabled us to get the word out, which ultimately helped identify the offenders. Strong partnerships like this allow us to have a safer community.”
Detectives interviewed Bly and Garner regarding their involvement in the home burglaries. It was determined that they were, in fact, responsible for the residential burglaries. Witnesses in the case provided accurate descriptions of the suspects, and those descriptions matched Bly and Garner well. Detectives are now in the process of attempting to locate all of the stolen property. After the stolen items are located, it will be returned to the owners. In addition, anyone who has purchased items from Bly or Garner recently is encouraged to call the Mt. Juliet Police Department at (615) 754-2550.
The successful apprehension was a direct result of the community working hand-in-hand with the police department. Concerned citizens, helpful news media, and hardworking detectives all worked together to halt Bly and Garner’s burglary spree.
Christopher Bly and Keaton Garner were arrested and booked into the Wilson County Jail and was charged with the following:
3 Counts of Aggravated Burglary
3 Counts of Aggravated Burglary
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