Mt. Juliet Police Newsroom

Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Mt. Juliet’s Retail Safety Initiative for the holiday shopping season begins this week, and officers will be providing extra attention in shopping areas as part of Operation Safe Shopper. Starting on Thanksgiving afternoon, Black Friday, and throughout the shopping season, more uniformed and undercover officers will be concentrated around Mt. Juliet’s Interstate 40 shopping destination. The initiative will run until Thursday, December 31, 2020.

Ultimately, the department wants residents and visitors to have a safe, enjoyable experience in and around Mt. Juliet’s shopping areas. The department will carry out:

• Increased patrols by uniformed officers
• Zero tolerance on shoplifting crimes, where offenders go straight to jail
• Mobile surveillance tower deployed in parking lots
• Undercover vehicles & officers blending in with the crowds
• Guardian Shield watching over the community for stolen vehicles, stolen plates, and wanted persons

Officers will also monitor traffic flow and traffic signals to ensure traffic is moving as best as possible. If any issues are discovered, officers will communicate with city traffic engineers to determine a quick solution.

Shopper Safety Tips:

• Follow CDC COVID-19 precautions.
• Report any suspicious or out-of-place behavior to police, immediately.
• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.
• Park in well-lighted spaces, lock car doors, and place packages out of sight in the trunk or under seats.
• Do not carry large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card if possible.
• Carry purses close to the body, not dangling by the straps.
• Put wallets in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
• Supervise children and teach them to go to a police officer or security guard if they get lost or separated.
• Take a holiday inventory. The holidays are an excellent time to take photos or videos of items in your home

Parking Lot Safety Tips:

• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• If shopping at night, park in well-lit areas.
• Never leave your vehicle unlocked.
• When walking to your vehicle, look prepared by having your keys in your hand, your purse, and other packages close to you, and always be aware of what is around you.
• Never leave holiday packages or other valuable items visible inside your vehicle.
• If possible, shop with others and walk in groups. It is safer to have another person with you.
• If you see suspicious people or activity, go back into the store or to a populated area and contact the police immediately.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Additional Mt. Juliet police officers will report for duty to patrol neighborhoods with the potential of many engaged in Halloween-related activities. While it is not clear what level of participation the community will experience, officers will do their part to ensure a safe, enjoyable Halloween for all. 

Parents should be prepared and mindful of their child’s safety by following safety precautions– especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC recently published guidance to address trick-or-treating concerns for locations where COVID-19 cases are low and residents plan to participate. Standard guidance of proper social distancing, disinfecting hands often, and wearing a mask is very important and recommended. Those who are sick should not participate. 

Safer trick-or-treating alternatives include:

• Providing individually wrapped grab-n-go candy bags
• Setting up outdoors, on the lawn or end of the driveway
• Wear a cloth mask (Halloween-themed!)
• Maintain physical distance from other groups, be patient!
• Carry hand sanitizer and use it often 

CDC Guidance for Halloween Activities: CDC Halloween Guidance

For those who plan to participate in trick-or-treating activities, the department recommends doing so on Saturday, October 31, 2020, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Through the afternoon and night, patrol staff levels and presence in neighborhoods will be increased. However, police need residents’ help to ensure Mt. Juliet’s streets can be as safe as possible. Any unsafe mischief or driving behavior should be reported to the police department immediately so it can be stopped. Also, police will be monitoring parking on city streets. Visitors and residents should be mindful of where they park, so the roadway is not blocked.

According to Safe Kids Worldwide, children are twice more likely to be in a fatal pedestrian accident on Halloween than any other day of the year. Parents should make sure their child’s costume is visible at night to motorists. There are several reasons why children are more likely to be hurt in pedestrian accidents, which include:

• They often choose to take the shortest route, which may mean darting out between parked cars then take the safer way of crossing at corners.
• They’re poor at evaluating potential traffic threats.
• They’re more likely to disregard their peripheral vision and are less attentive to their street surroundings.
• They tend to believe they’re indestructible and are more likely to take risks.
• They need to be told that some people driving cars will not slow down for them.
• They can’t cross streets as rapidly as adults.
• They may be distracted by other children’s costumes, behaviors, and home decorations.

Also, officers will be out monitoring sex offenders on Halloween. Under Tennessee law, any sex offender on parole or probation may not participate in any Halloween activity involving children. This activity would include leaving a porch light on, answering the door, or distributing candy. Parents may use the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry at the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s website at http://www.tbi.tn.gov/.

Reflective bracelets are available, now and through Halloween, at police headquarters from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday.

In addition to people taking precautions due to the ongoing pandemic, the department wants to remind everyone of the following Halloween Health and Safety Tips: http://www.safekids.org/halloween.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Mt. Juliet Police Department’s K9 Majlo (“My-low”) was recently diagnosed with a potentially career-ending injury, and the department is obtaining advanced care at the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center to ensure his quality of life. Recently, Majlo’s partner, Officer Chris Barth, noticed that Majlo raised his rear right leg as if he was in pain. Once the possible injury was noticed, Majlo was transported to his local veterinarian to conduct an in-depth review. The veterinarian team revealed an internal tendon injury to the right hind leg. That original injury likely led to an internal tendon injury to his left hind leg as well.

“As you can imagine, we are all devasted about Majlo’s impacting injury. Ultimately, we want to ensure Majlo’s quality of life prevails. At the recommendation of his vet care team, we are seeking further advanced care from the University of Knoxville, who has an extensive history of treating working animals,” stated Chief James Hambrick. “Officer Barth and K9 Majlo have been such an awesome asset to the Mt. Juliet community, and their history of successful outcomes is a testament to their wonderful work. They both have contributed so much, and we will pray for the best possible outcome.”

It is unclear what event or moment caused Majlo’s original injury as an injury on a dog can remain unknown for some time. Since Majlo joined the department in 2017, Majlo’s capabilities and work history have been very athletic. He has forcefully apprehended actively resisting, dangerous criminals, tracked suspects through rugged terrain, tracked missing persons, and detected illegal narcotics. If all goes well at UT Knoxville and only if, Majlo can maintain his quality of life, Majlo’s career could be saved. He would continue in a non-athletic role for narcotics detection.

The department will keep the community updated on Majlo’s medical journey. In addition, the department is most appreciative of Majlo’s local veterinarian, Dr. Nicole Harris at Avenue Animal Hospital, who has and continues to be so gracious and caring of Majlo.

Previous stories about Majlo can be found here: https://mjpdnews.org/?s=majlo .

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – A traffic stop led to detectives discovering a stolen handgun and marijuana bagged for resale this afternoon. Around 5:35 p.m., Crime Suppression Unit detectives could smell a strong odor of marijuana while speaking with the driver, 18-year-old Austin Lucas, and two passengers, 18-year-old Cameron Rouse and 23-year-old Brandon Gorham.

Further investigation revealed Lucas had a handgun, digital scales, many plastic baggies, and several prepackaged bags of marijuana. Rouse was found to have a stolen handgun from Millersville, TN and a small bag of marijuana. Gorham was also found to have a handgun and a small bag of marijuana.

Lucas was charged with Possession of a Schedule VI Drug for Resale and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony.

Rouse was charged with Possession of Stolen Property and Simple Possession of a Schedule VI drug.

Gorham was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon and Simple Possession of a Schedule VI drug.

All were booked into the Wilson County Jail.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – An adult male and female were arrested yesterday after crashing a stolen truck into a guardrail and running away. Around 8:00 p.m. yesterday, an officer attempted to stop a Ford pick-up after the vehicle’s registration plate did not match. The truck failed to stop, and the officer did not pursue it. Moments later, officers spotted the same truck turning down a dead-end roadway and attempted to stop it again. During that interaction, the driver almost struck a patrol vehicle.

In an attempt to stop the dangerous driver, officers deployed spike strips to deflate the truck’s tires and were successful. The truck crashed into a guardrail at Mt. Juliet Road and Interstate 40, which led to both occupants running from the vehicle into a wooded area. The adult female passenger, 33-year-old Cassie Spann of White Bluff, was apprehended behind the Shell gas station. The adult male driver, 34-year-old Jonathon Clark of Dickson, ran to the Comfort Suites hotel, and he was arrested while attempting to hide behind an ice machine.

Further investigation revealed that the Ford pick-up was stolen from Houston County, TN on 7/16/2020. In addition, various needles were located in the truck, and Clark was driving on a revoked driver’s license and wanted out of Dickson County.

Jonathon Clark, 34, of Dickson

Clark was charged with Reckless Endangerment, Felony Evading, Theft of Property, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Driving on a Revoked Driver’s License.

Cassie Spann, 33, of White Bluff

Spann was charged with Misdemeanor Evading and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Both were booked into the Wilson County Jail.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Officers are prepared for Wilson County School students to head back to school next week, and the department’s traffic safety focus in school zones will begin. Every school year, extra attention is provided by officers in school zones and bus stop locations to ensure everyone is operating their vehicle safely. This attention will continue throughout the school year. In addition to the reduced speed limits in school zones, officers will focus on handheld phone use, school bus stop-arm, seat belt, and child passenger safety laws.

“The Mt. Juliet community will experience a different dynamic we are not familiar with. Mt. Juliet Middle School will support students from the tornado-destroyed Stoner Creek Elementary and West Wilson Middle School. Also, Green Hill High School is brand new, and that school will be accommodating additional students until both destroyed schools are rebuilt,” stated Chief James Hambrick. “Members of the Command Staff will be monitoring the different dynamics, and we are prepared to adjust resources and plans to accommodate the change. I ask that our community members familiarize themselves with the change, so we can ensure our new school zones are safe.”

Today, Chief James Hambrick, along with fellow staff members, reviewed and toured Green Hill High School with Principal Kevin Dawson and Wilson County School’s Safety Director Steve Spencer. The new school zone for the new high school was also reviewed. In addition to the department’s strong relationship with school leadership, the department continues to maintain an open line of communication with crossing guards so they can easily report unsafe drivers or any other safety issues within the city limits.

Along with unmarked traffic officers being deployed to school zones, digital radar speed signs will be placed to raise awareness. Mt. Juliet Police have four digital speed signs that display the speed of cars and visually warn drivers if they drive above the speed limit.

To ensure our school zones are safe this school year, Mt. Juliet Police offer the following suggestions:

• Parents are encouraged to visit their child’s school website to become familiar with the traffic plans for drop-off and pick-up at each school. Wilson County School’s website is http://www.wcschools.com/.
• Give yourself plenty of time in the morning! As traffic volumes and congestion on the roadways increase, so does the length of time it takes to travel to your destination. Giving yourself more time by leaving earlier to reduces stress, increases your awareness, and improve your driving.
• Obey the posted speed limit signs and directional signs, including marked curbs. Signs and curb markings assist in the traffic flow into and out of the schools and assist in the safety of the students who walk and bike to school. One misplaced car can disrupt the traffic flow and the safety of our students.
• Be patient! Impatience leads to aggressive driving, rude or unwarranted behavior, pedestrian and bicycle collisions, and it creates traffic gridlock. Remember, everyone has the same goal: to get our children safely to and from school. Also remember, the habits you exhibit in your driving and demeanor are typically passed on to your children when they start driving.
• If you drive your children to school, have them ready to leave the car, with all of their belongings, when you come to a stop at the school. Backups and delays are caused when children have to get their backpacks and other items from the trunk or back seat of a car. Explore other alternatives such as carpool, ride-sharing, walking, or biking to school.
• Watch and obey the school crossing guards. Crossing guards are provided to assist with school traffic and the safe crossing of your students across the surrounding streets near each elementary school. Be on the lookout, be prepared to stop, and be ready to follow their directions so our children can safely get to and from school.

Stopping for a School Bus Law:

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Detectives determined a social media post and suspect photo placed on Facebook about a robbery incident at a Nonaville Road Market was not entirely factual. This afternoon, Detectives proactively responded to a market on Nonaville Road to investigate a post on social media about a robbery occurring. A victim never called police about any such incident, and detectives were concerned a possible robbery was not receiving the necessary attention. The post claimed the market was robbed on July 15, 2020 and contained a clear photo of a possible suspect.

Further investigation revealed that the person in the photo was not a suspect, and a robbery did not occur. There was a shoplifting incident where approximately $4.00 of alcohol was stolen. The person, whose photo was placed in the social media post, was in the store at the time of the shoplifting, but they are not considered a suspect. Detectives were able to identify the actual suspect of the shoplifting, but market owners did not want to prosecute.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – The Mt. Juliet Police Department supports and encourages everyone to wear a mask or face covering as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. As an alternative to issuing a citation to those not in compliance with the Wilson County mask mandate, officers will continue to educate and provide masks to community members. The mask mandate order, issued by Wilson County Mayor Hutto, is active at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2020.

“I want to see full compliance with Mayor Hutto’s order so we can contain the virus as soon as possible,” stated Police Chief James Hambrick. “From the onset of this pandemic, we have focused on educating our community about the importance of wearing a mask and taking personal safety precautions. We have obtained substantial compliance without charging business owners or community members. This model will continue, and we will issue face masks to those in need rather than issuing a citation.”

Details on Wilson County’s Mask Mandate: Wilson County Press Release Mask Mandate 7_17_2020 .

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Local law enforcement will be assisting in an escort to and from the funeral service, which will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m. at World Outreach Church, at 1921 State Highway 99 in Murfreesboro. When the escort returns to Mt. Juliet for interment, the community will have an opportunity to show respect and line Mt. Juliet Road from Interstate 40 to Division Street.

The community should estimate Charlie’s return to Mt. Juliet between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., and a more exact arrival time will be shared once it is clear.

The graveside service is private and by invitation only. Law enforcement agencies assisting in the escort are the Wilson County Sheriff’s Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Mt. Juliet Police Department, and Hendersonville Police Department Blue Eagles Motor Unit. The morning escort will depart Sellars Funeral Home around 8:00 a.m., but there will not be an opportunity along that route for the community to line the roadway.

Afternoon Escort Route:

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – The Mt. Juliet Police Department will be assisting Sellars Funeral Home with traffic and security for Charlie Daniels’ memorial services for the remainder of the week in Mt. Juliet.

• On Wednesday, a Patriotic Community Service will be held outside of Sellars Funeral Home, at 2229 N. Mt. Juliet Road, starting at 6:30 p.m. This event will feature honors from the military, an aircraft flyover, along with music from Trace Adkins, Tracey Lawrence, Darryl Worley, and others. The public is invited to attend.
• On Thursday, an open, public visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Sellars Funeral Home, at 2229 N. Mt. Juliet Road. Local law enforcement Honor Guards will perform a casket watch throughout the visitation.

During both events, Mt. Juliet Police officers and volunteers will be on hand to assist with traffic and security. The public should anticipate increased traffic around the N. Mt. Juliet Road and Division Street intersections while the events are underway.

Map of the event area and parking locations:

Local law enforcement will also be assisting in an escort to and from the funeral service, which will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m. at World Outreach Church, at 1921 State Highway 99 in Murfreesboro.

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