Category: Media Release

Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – San Antonio Freeman is currently wanted on many active warrants for the aggravated armed robbery attempt that occurred on Thursday, July 11, 2013 on Curd Road.

The investigation revealed that the victim was in the 700 block of Curd Road when two male suspects approached the victim outside and attempted to rob him. A third suspect waited nearby in a vehicle. During the attempted robbery, there was a brief struggle. A suspect fired a shot from a handgun towards the victim. After the shot was fired, the suspects fled the area in a silver car. Fortunately, the victim was not hit by the gunshot. Investigators worked swiftly to identify the suspects, and two of the three are in custody. Roderick Majors, 23, of Lebanon, and Mario Newsome, 24, of Nashville, were arrested and charged with their involvement in the robbery. San Antonio Freeman, 17, of Lebanon was the shooter during the incident, and police are requesting the public’s help in locating him. Mr. Freeman should be considered armed and dangerous. 

In addition to the aforementioned case, Mr. Freeman has warrants on file from the Wilson County Sheriff’s Department from a pursuit involving a stolen vehicle that took place on Sunday, July 14^th, 2013.

San Antonio Freeman, 17, of Lebanon

San Antonio Freeman, 17, of Lebanon is wanted for the following:

• Aggravated Assault
• Aggravated Robbery
• Reckless Endangerment (3 counts)
• Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
• Felony Evading
• Possession of Stolen Property

Anyone who has any information in regards to the location of this suspect is asked to contact the Mt. Juliet Police Department at (615) 754-2550. To remain anonymous and receive a possible reward, contact (615) 754-TIPS (8477). Anonymous tips can also be submitted on the Mt. Juliet Police Department website at http://www.mjpd.org/ .

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Copy of Court Order Permitting the Use of Photographic Image of Minor: SAFreemanPhotographUseCourtOrder

Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – A 23-year-old man from Nashville was shot at during an attempted robbery on Curd Road in Mt. Juliet Thursday evening. A nearby resident called 911 stating she had just heard a gunshot in the area around 8:00 p.m. Mt. Juliet Police officers immediately responded to the scene, but the suspects and victim had already fled. The victim then drove to the Mt. Juliet Police headquarters to speak with officers. The preliminary investigation reveals that the victim was in the 700 block of Curd Road when two male suspects approached the victim outside and attempted to rob him. A third suspect waited nearby in a vehicle. During the attempted robbery, there was a brief struggle. A suspect fired a shot from a handgun towards the victim. After the shot was fired, the suspects fled the area in a silver car. Fortunately, the victim was not hit by the gunshot.

Investigators with Mt. Juliet’s Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene for a more in-depth investigation. The investigators worked swiftly to identify the suspects, and two of the three are in custody. Roderick Majors, 23, from Lebanon, and Mario Newsome, 24, from Nashville, were arrested and charged with their involvement in the robbery. A 17-year-old male was involved as well, but he has not been apprehended.

“Our investigators work so hard to ensure dangerous criminals are quickly apprehended,” stated Mt. Juliet Police Chief James Hambrick. “The offenders’ behavior was extremely dangerous, and our community will not tolerate it. We, as a department, are going to do everything we can to keep this activity out of our wonderful city.”

Two adults were arrested, booked into the Wilson County Jail, and charged with the following:

Roderick Majors, age 23 of Lebanon, Tenn.

Roderick Majors, age 23 of Lebanon, Tenn.

• Criminal Attempt (Aggravated Robbery) TCA 39-13-402
• Criminal Conspiracy TCA 39-12-103

Mr. Majors was also wanted by the Metro-Nashville Police Department for Failure to Appear, and he was wanted by the Wilson County Sheriff’s Department for Burglary.

Mario Newsome, age 24, of Nashville, Tenn.

Mario Newsome, age 24, of Nashville, Tenn.

• Criminal Attempt (Aggravated Robbery) TCA 39-13-402
• Criminal Conspiracy TCA 39-12-103

Mr. Newsome was arrested in Lebanon’s public housing where he was banned from coming on property. He was charged for trespassing by Lebanon Police Department.

Wilson County Sheriff’s and Lebanon Police Department assisted in the suspects’ apprehension.

Anyone with any information on 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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The Mt. Juliet Police Department’s Twitter account has more followers than most of the other police departments of its size in the United States. According to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Center for Social Media’s recently released top ten list for “Most Twitter Followers”, the Mt. Juliet Police Department ranked as #7 in a top 10 list of agencies with 26 to 49 sworn officers. Mt. Juliet Police is only one of two Tennessee agencies to be ranked for their Twitter presence. The other agency is Franklin Police Department.

Mt. Juliet Police began its social media presence in 2011. Utilizing Twitter and Facebook, the department has enhanced its communication with the public by providing another avenue to keep the public informed. The communication isn’t just one-way either. Followers are able to engage the department with questions, concerns, and praise through the social media sites.

“Our presence in social media has been very positive. I think all police department’s should have a social media presence.” stated Mt. Juliet Police Chief James Hambrick. “Everywhere I go, I am constantly getting comments and appreciation for our use of Twitter and Facebook. I’m pleased our department has so many followers and to make the IACP’s list.”

The social media accounts are monitored by the department’s Community Policing Division, which handles media and community relations for the agency. However, the social media presence is truly a department-wide effort. Many of the department’s employees contribute to different posts that are sent out on the sites. Twitter and Facebook is not monitored 24/7, so it is not a substitute for requesting police assistance. Currently, Mt. Juliet Police has 3,150 Twitter followers and 3,459 Facebook likes.

IACP’s List of U.S. Law Enforcement Agencies with the Most Twitter Followers: http://www.iacpsocialmedia.org/Directory/AgencyTwitterStatistics.aspx

Ten years ago today, two of Wilson County’s finest law enforcement officers gave their life to our community as they attempted to stop a dangerous fleeing felon who had no care for anyone’s safety. Just after 9:00 a.m., Sgt. Jerry Mundy (MJPD) and Dep. John Musice (WCSO) were deploying spike strips in an effort to stop a criminal who fled to Mt. Juliet from Knoxville and continued to run from police. That criminal saw the officers deploying the spikes, and she directed her car directly at them. Unfortunately the officers could not run faster than a speeding car, and they were murdered on Interstate 40 in Mt. Juliet.

Law enforcement officers have a very dangerous job, but someone in our community has to step-up to keep us all safe. There are evil people in our society, and law enforcement officers stand strong and defend the thin-blue-line that separates the good from evil. 148 other officers were killed in the line-of-duty and gave the same sacrifice that Jerry and John did in 2003. Since their deaths, over 1600 law enforcement officers have been killed in the United States while serving and protecting our communities. That number is way too high. Just like Jerry and John, their families lost a loved one, and their communities lost a hero.

Everyone at the Mt. Juliet Police Department appreciates the support as we cross into the 10^th year since the tragic events on July 9, 2003. This is something we will certainly never forget, and Jerry and John will always be in our hearts and on our minds as we continue to serve and protect one of the best cities in Middle Tennessee. Thank you Mt. Juliet. We are here for you, and we will do whatever it takes to keep you, your family, and our community safe.

-Men & Women of the Mt. Juliet Police Department

Case: 13-17823 Date: July 2, 2013 Time: 2:00 p.m.

Location: Boxcroft Circle at Boxcroft Court (The Cottages)

Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – A 20-year-old male landscaper was robbed while mowing grass in a Mt. Juliet neighborhood this afternoon. At 2:00 p.m. the victim called 911 stating he had just been robbed at gunpoint. Mt. Juliet Police officers immediately responded to the scene, but the suspects had already fled the area. The victim stated to investigators that two suspects approached him as he was mowing the grass on a riding lawnmower. One suspect was armed with a handgun, and they demanded his headphones. A struggle developed, and one shot was fired by a suspect. After the gunshot, both suspects ran to a nearby vehicle, which was described as a tan 2000 year model Jeep Grand Cherokee. The suspects were described as two black males in their early 20’s. One was wearing a black shirt and had long hair, and the other was wearing a bright green shirt and a black hat. It is believed, that prior to robbing the victim, the suspects burglarized his vehicle.

Mt. Juliet Criminal Investigators on Robbery Scene

Investigators with Mt. Juliet’s Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene for processing and evidence collection. No one was injured during this incident. This investigation is ongoing, and investigators are now piecing everything together in hopes of a quick resolution.

Anyone with any information on 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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Case: 13-17798 Date: July 2, 2013 Time: 1:45 a.m.

Location: 20 Benders Ferry Road (Corner Market & Prestige Jewelry & Loan)

Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – A Mt. Juliet pawn shop and market was burglarized early this morning by a group of burglars using a stolen moving truck. The group first stole the truck in Nashville, and they drove it to Mt. Juliet to haul away stolen goods. Early Tuesday morning around 1:45 a.m. the burglary alarm summoned Mt. Juliet Police to the Corner Market located on Benders Ferry Road. As officers arrived on the scene, they noticed that the front glass door to the business was shattered.

The Three Suspects

The Corner Market is connected to the Prestige Jewelry and Loan, and the burglars forced down the connecting door to gain entry into the pawn shop. A large amount of cigarettes was stolen from the Corner Market, and they even stole beer. A lone burglar entered the pawn shop and targeted jewelry. Currently, investigators are still determining the amount and value of stolen jewelry. It is expected to be well over $30,000.00. Video surveillance shows a large box-style Penske moving truck backing up to the front door of the business. Three suspects exited the truck, and one smashed the front door with a sledge hammer. All three suspects entered to begin their thievery. A blood trail was left throughout the Corner Market as one suspect injured himself while busting through the glass door. The stolen truck was later located in Wilson County.

The Mt. Juliet Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying the thieves. There is great surveillance video, and the suspects are easily recognizable. The suspects are described as:

Suspect 1: Middle-aged Black Male with dredlock-stye black hair, around 5’8″ tall with a stocky build.

Suspect 1

Suspect 2: Middle-aged White Female, around 5’6″ tall with a stocky/athletic build.

Suspect 2

Suspect 3: Middle-aged White Male with mullet-style blonde hair, around 6’0″ tall with a skinny build

Suspect 3

Anyone with any information on 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. – A child has died after being struck by a pick-up truck in Mt. Juliet. Ethan Page, 5, of Mt. Juliet was playing on his family’s property located off Main Street in Mt. Juliet when he fell into the path of truck driven by Jimmy Allmon, 73, of Mt. Juliet. Mr. Allmon was assisting the Page family with preparations for an upcoming cancer benefit. As he was driving down the driveway in his Ford F250 truck, Ethan Page was struck and critically injured.

Ethan Page, 5, of Mt. Juliet
(Photo Provided By Parents)

“Our community is grieving with the Page family. This is such a terrible, terrible incident. Any tragic death of a child is very sad and difficult to deal with,” stated Mt. Juliet Police Chief James Hambrick. “Our department’s thoughts and prayers are with the family, community, and our emergency responders.”

After Ethan was struck, witnesses to the incident immediately called for help. An ambulance was quickly dispatched to the scene, and Ethan was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Mt. Juliet police officers closed intersections through Mt. Juliet while the ambulance was en route to the hospital to prevent any delay. Upon arrival to the hospital, Ethan was pronounced dead.

Mt. Juliet Police Sergeant Hamblen, a crash reconstructionist, conducted a thorough investigation regarding this incident. Lebanon Police Department’s crime scene investigators assisted Sgt. Hamblen in his investigation. The investigation revealed that this incident was an extremely tragic, sad event. Mr. Allmon was driving down the driveway and noticed a bicycle laying in the driveway’s path. Mr. Allmon stopped, and Ethan removed the bicycle out of the way. Mr. Allmon proceeded forward, and Ethan began to run alongside the truck. Ethan tripped and fell into the truck’s path, which led to him being struck.

There will be no criminal charges placed on Mr. Allmon, the driver. Mr. Allmon is a family friend to the Page’s, and there is no relation between him and Ethan. The cancer benefit that was scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 23 was cancelled, but it will be rescheduled in the near future.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, local residents are reminded that the sale and use of fireworks are regulated by the City of Mt. Juliet. Fireworks can be fun and exciting. However, they need to be used safely to avoid serious burns, eye damage, and even death. When using fireworks, safety should be everyone’s priority. Fourth of July celebrations are responsible for many burn injuries that are associated with premature detonation or misuse of fireworks. Most firework injuries occur with children. These injuries usually include burns to the hands and eyes causing vision impairment. Firework related injuries can be avoided, and the Mt. Juliet Police Department urges residents to follow safety tips and to be careful during their holiday celebrations.

In Mt. Juliet, it is unlawful to sell or use fireworks in the city except from June 20th through July 5th and December 10th through January 2nd. During this holiday season, fireworks cannot be discharged or used between the hours of 10:00PM – 10:00AM. In addition, fireworks cannot be sold or given to any person under the age of 18. It is permissible for juveniles to use fireworks only if a parent is supervising the activity. Failure to comply with Mt. Juliet’s City Code regulating fireworks could result in a $188.00 fine.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these common sense safety tips for using consumer fireworks in the hopes that injuries can be greatly reduced:

• Parents and caretakers should always closely supervise teens if they are using fireworks.
• Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
• Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
• Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
• Know your fireworks. Read the caution label before igniting.
• Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
• Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor garbage can.
• Avoid using homemade fireworks or illegal explosives: They can kill you!
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

And note these special safety tips, if using sparklers:

• Always remain standing while using sparklers.
• Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.
• Never hold, or light, more than one sparkler at a time.
• Never throw sparklers.
• Sparkler wire and stick remain hot long after the flame has gone out. Be sure to drop spent sparklers in a bucket of water.
• Teach children not to wave sparklers, or run, while holding sparklers.

Enjoy your time with your friends and loved ones. Everyone at the Mt. Juliet Police Department wishes you a happy and safe Independence Day.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – The Mt. Juliet Police Department has announced the security and traffic control plan for the City of Mt. Juliet Fourth of July Fireworks in the Providence MarketPlace area. The firework presentation will begin at 9:00 p.m. Mt. Juliet Police are expecting a large amount of people to attend the event, and a large amount of exiting traffic out of the Providence MarketPlace area after the fireworks at approximately 10:00 p.m. With safety being a top priority, a large amount of police officers will be present during the event. A traffic plan has been established and police officers will be controlling some intersections. This is a large gathering of people, so the police department is asking attendees to be vigilant. The police department relies on the public for help, and attendees are reminded to say something if they spot anything suspicious. To contact the police department’s non-emergency line, attendees can simply dial 311. Please remember that during this event our roadways will see a major increase in traffic, so delays should be expected.

“Well over half of the police department’s officers and will be involved in the event in some way. We are also working with Providence MarketPlace management, and they are footing the bill for even additional police officers.” stated Mt. Juliet Police Chief James Hambrick. “I want to ensure this patriotic celebration is safe and enjoyable for everyone.”

The following intersections will be closed to exiting traffic:

• Adams Ln @ S. Mt. Juliet Rd (SR 171)
• Crossing Circle @ S. Mt. Juliet Rd (SR 171)
• Providence Market Place Exit adjacent to Chick-fil-A/Wendy’s
• Providence Market Place Exit adjacent to Taco Bell

The Mt. Juliet Police Department is encouraging people to use alternate parking locations to watch the firework celebration. The fireworks will be launched from the field behind Target. Therefore, the fireworks will be visible from parking areas along Pleasant Grove Road near the Paddocks shopping development.

Personal fireworks, alcoholic beverages, and barbecue grills are prohibited from private business lots during this event.

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Coffee With A Cop Event Planned

Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – The Mt. Juliet Police Department is inviting you to have Coffee With A Cop next Friday. Police Chief James Hambrick and other officers from the department will be available for good conversation away from police headquarters. Mt. Juliet’s first Coffee With A Cop event will be on Friday, June 21, 2013 from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Chick-fil-A – Providence (401 S. Mt. Juliet Road).

“This is a great opportunity for our community to stop by and say hello, address concerns, exchange ideas, or ask questions,” said Mt. Juliet Police Chief James Hambrick. “We simply want to ensure that our community has the chance to connect with us face-to-face in a comfortable, non-threatening, and super friendly environment. I hope to meet many new residents.”

The Coffee With A Cop program is a non-traditional way to generate conversation between the police department and community it serves. This event allows the public to interact with police officers, including the Chief of Police, in an informal setting to ask questions or address concerns with local law enforcement. Everyone is encouraged to stop by the Coffee With A Cop event to say hello and enjoy free coffee provided by Mt. Juliet’s Chick-fil-A.

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