A 17-year-old shooting victim is recovering, and the 17-year-old shooter was charged after fast, relentless efforts by Mt. Juliet police officers and assisting resources. Around 7:10 p.m. on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, an MJPD detective noticed the shooting victim in a strip mall parking lot in the 2000 block of N. Mt. Juliet Road. The shooting just occurred, and the detective witnessed a suspect sprinting across Mt. Juliet Road. The detective, who was able to begin life-saving efforts for the single gunshot to the victim, was able to call for assistance and provide details on the suspect. Multiple officers responded to the area and established a containment zone to search for the suspect.
The city’s text alert system was utilized to inform the community of the active search, which included the suspect description. Witnesses, empowered with the information contained in the text alert, reported a suspect sighting in the Hickory Station townhome complex. As a result, officers isolated their search to a townhome in the 200 block of Ashmere Court. A 17-year-old male, who lived at the townhome, was apprehended and charged with aggravated assault.
“We are grateful for our strong partnership and connections with our community. When we communicate and provide them with information to keep our city safe, it continues to result in suspect apprehensions and a safer community. If you’re not connected to our text alert system, I encourage all to get connected.” stated Chief James Hambrick. “I also want to express my appreciation to the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, Lebanon Police Department, and Metro-Nashville Police Department, who all sent resources to assist our officers. Now to MJPD’s staff, who are so dedicated to keeping our community protected- They are absolutely amazing. They worked to save a life, they worked to get the suspect in custody, many responded from their homes to assist in the search, and they did it all so well while working as one firm, cohesive team. I am so proud of their continued efforts. As a result of their commitment and proactive service, criminals will not be successful in Mt. Juliet.”
The preliminary investigation revealed that the 17-year-old victim from Nashville drove to Mt. Juliet to meet the 17-year-old suspect in the parking lot to complete a drug exchange. The meeting escalated, and the suspect shot the victim. While running from the incident, the suspect dropped the handgun, which detectives recovered.
The incident remains under investigation, and more criminal charges are forthcoming for the suspect, victim, and other parties involved in the investigation. Additionally, detectives recovered two handguns, a large amount of marijuana, and other evidentiary items.
Those who are not connected to the text alert system can learn how to join here: https://mtjuliet-tn.gov/1580/MJAlert-Community-Notifications
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