Mt. Juliet Police Newsroom

Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – A Mt. Juliet police officer graduated from the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy (TLETA) Basic Police School today. The department is so proud of his achievements and many top honors. Mt. Juliet’s newest police officer Daniel LaNata, along with over 100 other law enforcement officers across the state of Tennessee, took part in a graduation ceremony for Basic Police School 1972 held at MTSU’s Tucker Theater. Officer Daniel LaNata was elected as the Class President and gave the closing speech at today’s ceremony. Not only did he receive the Leadership Award, but he was honored with the Legal Award and Outstanding Officer Award- scoring the highest on all testing.

Before becoming a police officer, Officer LaNata grew up in Louisiana and left to serve in the United States Air Force. After military service, he relocated to the Nashville area and joined the department.

“On behalf of the entire Mt. Juliet Police family, we are incredibly proud of Daniel’s achievements. For him to have the extra responsibilities of being Class President and doing so well throughout the academy is quite an accomplishment. He scored the highest on his legal exam and had the highest average score for all assessments throughout the academy, all while leading the group of recruits on a path of success. He will be an amazing police officer to our community and is ready to get to work,” stated Chief James Hambrick.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Three suspects were quickly apprehended after their active burglary was interrupted by officers this morning. One of the large items they were stealing, a go-cart, was a child’s Christmas gift that was paid for and waiting to be pick-up by the parents. Officers were alerted around 5:00 a.m. of an alarm activation at Tractor Supply at 14295 Lebanon Road, and they arrived to find the suspects actively burglarizing the store. Two suspects attempted to run away, but officers gave chase and apprehended both. One suspect, who hid in a nearby wooded area, was tracked by a Wilson County Sheriff K9 within moments of fleeing.

Further investigation revealed the suspects arrived in two vehicles, one being a U-Haul box truck. In the box truck was a freshly stolen go-cart, which was waiting at Tractor Supply to be picked up by a family who bought it for their child. An adult female suspect was staying in a nearby car while the two adult male suspects burglarized the location. They are all suspects in other Tractor Supply burglaries across the mid-state that occurred overnight.

All three suspects were arrested and booked in the Wilson County Jail on the following charges:

Jerome T. Helm, 37 of Nashville, was charged with:

• Evading Arrest
• Aggravated Criminal Trespass
• Theft of Property
• Possession of Burglary Tools
• Vandalism > $10,000

Jerome T. Bass, 60 of Nashville, was charged with:

• Evading Arrest
• Aggravated Criminal Trespass
• Theft of Property
• Possession of Burglary Tools
• Vandalism > $10,000

Lilia A. Shabazz, 32 of Nashville, was charged with:

• • Aggravated Criminal Trespass
  • Theft of Property
  • Possession of Burglary Tools
  • Vandalism > $10,000

If anyone has any information about the suspects, they are urged 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. – The Mt. Juliet Christmas Parade will affect traffic on the north end of N. Mt. Juliet Road, including Lebanon Road and E. Division Street near Mt. Juliet Road, during the afternoon on Saturday, December 10, 2022. Starting at 10:45 a.m., the following stretch of roadways will be closed:

• N. Mt. Juliet Road, between E. Division Street and Lebanon Road
• Lebanon Road, between N. Mt. Juliet Road and Park Glen Drive
• E. Division St, between N. Mt. Juliet Road and Clemmons Road

Mt. Juliet’s residents and visitors should plan and be aware of the parade, which begins at 11:00 a.m. from the Mt. Juliet League Fields on Lebanon Road, travels down Mt. Juliet Road, and ends at the train station along E. Division St.

If you are attending the parade, the police department suggests that you arrive before the 10:45 a.m. street closures. This will allow plenty of time to find parking. If you are not attending the parade, you may want to avoid the Mt. Juliet Road corridor to reduce your frustration with the road closure and large traffic volume.

Parade Information: Mt. Juliet Christmas Parade Website

Parade Route Map: Map of Parade Route

Remember, there will be a large amount of vehicle and pedestrian traffic along Mt. Juliet Road in the north end of town after the parade. So take your time, and please be considerate. It is estimated that the parade traffic will be clear around 12:30 p.m.

Follow Mt. Juliet Police on Twitter @MtJulietPolice for live and active information about the parade & races as they happen.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Recently, the department honored many outstanding staff members who went above and beyond during 2022. On Friday, December 2, Mt. Juliet Police Department’s annual award banquet was held, and Joy Church sponsored the event.

“Choosing outstanding employees for the year is always difficult, as so much of our team go the extra mile. I am proud of Mt. Juliet’s finest who are deeply committed and work so hard to keep Mt. Juliet safe,” stated Chief James Hambrick.

The year’s top award went to Administrative Services Manager Richard Frankich, who received the Sgt. Jerry Mundy Employee of the Year award. Richard’s work ethic and energy are always focused on the department and community, and he has gone above and beyond in many of his duties and volunteer efforts.

Other staff members honored include:

Supervisor of the Year – Sergeant Sean Ronan

Investigator of the Year – Detective Cameron Smith

Specialized Officer of the Year – Officer Jamie Fialkowski

Patrol Officer of the Year – Officer Jacob Berti

Rookie Officer of the Year – Officer Dylan O’Brien

Reserve Officer of the Year – Officer Jimmy Bancroft

Steve Stepaniak Civilian of the Year – Administrative Assistant Karen Ackerman

Chief’s Award – Codes Enforcement Officer Jacob Smartt

Chief’s Award – Detective Jacob Dean

The below staff members were honored with the Meritorious Award due to an action that made a significant impact where they responded extraordinarily and exceptionally:

• Corporal Sam Elliott
• Detective Jacob Dean
• Officer Robert Ullrich
• Dispatch Lead Joe Lukins

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Scroll down for Critical Incident Video

Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Last night, around 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, an individual who was a passenger in a car stopped by a Mt. Juliet Police officer resisted the officer, moved into the driver seat, and attempted to drive away. As the officer was attempting to control the individual, the individual drove away with the officer trapped in the car.

After repeated requests to stop the car, warnings, and a taser deployment on the individual, the individual continued to drive away with the officer trapped in the car. This resulted in an officer-involved shooting, and the car came to a stop.

The involved officer and arriving backup officers began life-saving aid attempts, which were continued by responding medics. The individual is deceased. No one else was injured in the incident. Per protocol, the TBI responded to investigate, and the scene was processed on a stretch of S. Mt. Juliet Road between Central Pike and Graves Crossing. This is an active and ongoing investigation as TBI Special Agents work to gather any and all relevant interviews and evidence.

The roadway was reopened around 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 3, 2022.

“This was a very traumatic incident with a loss of life. All are in my prayers, including the family and friends of those involved, stated Police Chief James Hambrick. To ensure our officer responded properly and per protocol, the TBI is conducting an independent investigation. The officer has been placed on routine administrative leave.”

11/3/22 Update-

TBI Statement:

https://tbinewsroom.com/2022/11/03/tbi-agents-investigating-mt-juliet-shooting-2/

 

11/11/22 Update-

The officer involved in the incident has been identified as Sergeant Josh Lo.

Sergeant Lo has been a police officer with the department since October 2016 and is currently assigned to the Patrol division. He remains on routine wellness leave.

1/18/23 Update-

We were informed by the District Attorney’s Office that the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation concluded its investigation and turned over all findings to the District Attorney’s Office. In coordination and approval from 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson, the department released a portion of the Bodyworn and In-car camera video.

Following a wellness period and preliminary review of the incident, Sgt. Lo returned to duty on Wednesday, November 30, 2022.

Questions into further details should be directed to the District Attorney’s Office or Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Halloween is always a busy evening in Mt. Juliet, and safety will be a top priority as officers deploy to neighborhoods. Many officers will be out serving on Monday, October 31, 2022, with the goal of ensuring neighborhoods are safe while trick-or-treaters are out and about. This effort is quite the tradition for the department, where patrol staffing is tripled, so neighborhoods have a visible police presence to ensure all have a safe, enjoyable time. Everyone should be prepared and mindful of children’s safety by following simple safety precautions. The most significant risk to a child on Halloween is being struck by a vehicle. Therefore, to raise awareness, officers on patrol will hand out reflective bands and LED glow sticks to children.

Mt. Juliet’s residents are also a huge part of what keeps Mt. Juliet’s streets 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.

Safe Kids Worldwide says children are twice as likely to be in a fatal pedestrian accident on Halloween than on any other day. Therefore, parents should ensure 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 than taking the safer route 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. 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/.

From everyone at Mt. Juliet Police, we wish you a safe Halloween. Mt. Juliet Police Headquarters, located at 1019 Charlie Daniels Parkway, will also be open for trick-or-treating on Halloween from 5:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m. The department can be contacted at (615) 754-2550 (non-emergency) or 911 (emergency) to report any problems, observations, or safety concerns.

A list of Halloween Health and Safety Tips can be viewed here: http://www.safekids.org/halloween.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Unlawful fire lane parking enforcement led to the discovery of a felony wanted person who just shoplifted. On Saturday, October 15, 2022, around 11:30 a.m., an officer on patrol spotted an unoccupied car unlawfully parked in the Walmart fire lane at 300 Pleasant Grove Road. While the officer was working on a citation, an adult female, the original car operator, walked out of Walmart and approached the officer. The suspect gave a false name to the officer, and through further investigation, the officer confirmed the suspect was not being truthful.

As the investigation continued, it was discovered the suspect was wanted for several active warrants, which included being wanted in Wilson County for misdemeanor theft and Davidson County for one count of misdemeanor theft and two counts of felony probation violations.

Further, the officer discovered that the suspect stole nearly $230 of merchandise inside Walmart.

The following suspect was arrested and charged:

Tabitha Taylor, 49, of Antioch, Tennessee

• Shoplifting
• Criminal Impersonation

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