Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – This afternoon around 4:40 p.m., Mt. Juliet Police Officer Reese Harper and his K9 partner, Aksel (“Axel”), were involved in a crash while responding emergency to a reported domestic-related shooting-in-progress.
As Officer Harper was traveling northbound on N. Mt. Juliet Road with lights, standard siren, and enhanced rumbler siren activated, he entered the intersection at Old Lebanon Dirt Road. A juvenile motorist, who initially stopped, then unexpectedly accelerated into the intersection, striking the patrol vehicle on the driver’s side rear wheel area as the officer was proceeding through with right-of-way under emergency conditions. The impact caused disabling damage and a loss of steering control, leading the patrol vehicle to strike the rear of a pickup truck that had safely pulled over to yield to the emergency vehicle.
Officer Harper was not injured, though the collision initially trapped him in the vehicle due to the damaged driver’s door. He was able to safely exit through the passenger side. Officer Harper immediately checked on K9 Aksel, who had sustained a serious leg injury. K9 Aksel was transported quickly to Avenue Animal Hospital, where his injury was stabilized before being transferred for emergency surgery at a specialized Middle Tennessee veterinary facility.
Other motorists involved were evaluated on scene by medical personnel. Fortunately, no one required transport for additional medical treatment.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol responded to investigate the all circumstances surrounding the crash.
Officer Harper was responding to a domestic-related incident on Oakhall Drive, where shots were reportedly being fired. Upon arrival, officers discovered an adult male deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The investigation into that incident is ongoing, and our hearts go out to the family during this difficult time.
K9 Aksel is the department’s newest K9 team member and has been excelling in his training. He was scheduled to undergo his official certifications next week, and his performance thus far had shown strong promise in his role with the department. The department’s hearts and prayers go out to Officer Harper, and everyone is hoping for the best possible outcome for K9 Aksel as he undergoes emergency treatment. Additionally, were are extremely thankful for the initial rapid care from Dr. Nicole Harris and staff at Avenue Animal Hospital, including the men and women of the Mt. Juliet Fire Department. Several motorists and bystanders also stopped to help Officer Harper and K9 Aksel, and our department, including them, are very grateful for your compassion.
K9 Aksel and Officer Harper
K9 Aksel and Officer Harper
K9 Aksel and Officer Harper###
Message on Supporting K9 Aksel:
Many in our community have reached out asking how they can support K9 Aksel and the Department’s K9 program. We are incredibly grateful for that kindness.
We’ve also received generous offers to drop off care packages, treats, and food for K9 Aksel. While we wish we could give all of that to him, our police K9s are highly specialized and follow strict diets and care protocols. We would never want a thoughtful gift to go to waste.
Because of this, the best way to support is through the Mt. Juliet Police Foundation—a trusted non-profit that directly supports the officers, staff, and programs of MJPD. For those wishing to help specifically with the K9 program, a special donation link has been established here: https://donorbox.org/support-the-mjpd-k9-program. Donations received can be designated for direct use by our K9 officers and the program’s ongoing needs.
Once again, we are deeply thankful for the outpouring of love and encouragement for K9 Aksel, his partner Officer Reese Harper, and our entire MJPD family. Your support truly means the world.
