Mt. Juliet Police Newsroom

Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – This afternoon, 19-year-old Santos Velasquez, out of Nashville, was apprehended following a dangerous incident that began with an attempted traffic stop on Interstate 40 and escalated into a series of crimes. Velasquez, who was out on bond for serial burglary and evading arrest in Nashville, and wanted out of Rutherford County for multiple violent offenses, including aggravated assault, kidnapping, and sexual battery, was taken into custody after a crash and foot chase.

Around 5:00 p.m., Velasquez passed a Mt. Juliet officer on Interstate 40 East near the 224-mile-marker at an extremely high rate of speed. The officer did not initiate a chase due to safety concerns, but moments later, dispatch received a report of a crash near the 227-mile marker on I-40 East. Velasquez had sideswiped a truck and trailer, causing his vehicle to lose control and crash into the grass median.

While officers were responding to the crash, it was reported that Velasquez threatened a bystander with a knife as he ran away through a parking lot along Belinda Parkway. Mt. Juliet officers quickly responded, setting up a containment zone in the area. Velasquez was soon spotted running through the Meridian Apartments, where officers apprehended him after a foot chase.

A 16-year-old female passenger from Gallatin was found unharmed in the crashed vehicle and cooperated with officers.

Further investigation revealed that Velasquez was wanted in Rutherford County on serious charges, including 1 count of Aggravated Sexual Battery, 1 count of Aggravated Kidnapping, 2 counts of Aggravated Stalking, 2 counts of Aggravated Assault, and 2 counts of Aggravated Domestic Assault. Velasquez has been booked into the Wilson County Jail and now faces numerous additional charges, including:

• Felony Evading
• Misdemeanor Evading
• Reckless Endangerment
• Reckless Driving
• Child Endangerment
• Contributing to the Delinquency of a Child
• Leaving the Scene of a Crash
• Aggravated Assault
• Driving on a Revoked Driver’s License

The Department is thankful that no one was seriously injured during this incident and commends the swift and coordinated efforts of our officers, emergency communication dispatchers, and witnesses in bringing this dangerous individual into custody.

Previous Nashville incident involving Velasquez: MNPD Media Release – Serial Commercial Burglary Suspect Arrested Wednesday, Additional Charges Anticipated

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Trevecca Nazarene University and the Mt. Juliet Police Department have announced a partnership that will allow officers to advance their leadership skills and professional development through specialized coursework at Trevecca.

As part of the agreement, the Mt. Juliet Police Department can select up to 15 officers or department employees at a time to participate in Trevecca’s six-week online leadership academy offered through the University’s School of Leadership and Interdisciplinary Studies.

“This partnership between Trevecca and the Mt. Juliet Police Department is a unique opportunity for us to come together, not only to strengthen leadership within the department but to build a shared commitment to excellence,” said Kristin Bledsoe, dean of Trevecca’s School of Leadership and Interdisciplinary Studies. “By investing in each other’s growth, we’re creating a foundation of trust, integrity and empathy that will empower us all to be the best leaders we can be – both in our professional roles and in our service to the community.”

The program is tailored for members of local police departments. The interactive, online six-week course features 12 modules designed to sharpen leadership skills, improve conflict resolution management and enhance decision-making abilities. The coursework covers critical topics that police officers face regularly in today’s society and help lay the groundwork for stronger community relationships.

“We are thrilled to partner with Trevecca on our Policing with Excellence Leadership Program,” said Michael Mullins, police chief of the Mt. Juliet Police Department. “Together, this program will empower and equip the next generation of law enforcement leaders to serve our communities, making lasting and meaningful impacts with honor and integrity.”

The training modules include case studies and practical exercises to help officers build trust and transparency in the communities they serve.The program also focuses on personal leadership development, emotional intelligence, leading change and strategic thinking.

“We are thankful to Chief Michael Mullins and Deputy Chief Tyler Chandler for their proactive approach and dedication,” Bledsoe said. “They wanted more for their officers and sought us out to develop a program that would truly support their growth. Their active role in every step of this journey has been invaluable, and it has been an honor for me personally, and Trevecca as a whole to be part of this process.”

The first group of officers will began the leadership course on October 8.

Release coordinated with TNU.

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As the community, colleagues, family, and friends come together to honor the life and service of Lebanon Police Officer Brendan Myers please be mindful of increased traffic and road closures associated with his upcoming funeral and memorial services in Mt. Juliet. We ask for your understanding, patience, and cooperation during this time of remembrance.

Tuesday, September 3rd:

• Expect increased traffic around Sellars Funeral Home (2229 N. Mt. Juliet Rd) in Mt. Juliet between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. as the community gathers to pay their respects at visitation.

Wednesday, September 4th:

• Increased traffic is anticipated around Mt. Juliet Church of Christ (1940 N. Mt. Juliet Rd) from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for the visitation and funeral service.
• Road closures will be in effect on Mt. Juliet Road (from Old Lebanon Dirt Road to Division Street) and W. Division Street (from Brookstone Drive to Mt. Juliet Road) during the escort, anytime around 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., to Mt. Juliet Memorial Gardens (654 W. Division St) following the service.

Community Tribute:

• We encourage businesses and residents along the escort route and throughout Mt. Juliet to display American flags and patriotic colors. This is a heartfelt way to honor Officer Myers’ service to our country in the U.S. Marines and Lebanon community with the Lebanon Police Department, standing united in our grief and pride.

Let’s join together to honor Officer Myers’ legacy and show our support for his family and the Lebanon Police Department during this difficult time.

Thank you for your cooperation and respect as we pay tribute to a hero who served our nation and the Lebanon community with honor and dedication.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. — After a series of catalytic converter thefts over the past month and a half in the West Wilson County area, the Mt. Juliet Police Department has apprehended a suspect believed to be responsible for these crimes. Thanks to diligent detective work and a crucial anonymous tip, officers arrested 50-year-old Robert Hartsell of Mt. Juliet in connection with the thefts.

Officers stopped Hartsell yesterday for a seatbelt violation on Lebanon Road. Evidence discovered during the stop linked him to the recent thefts. Following further investigation, Hartsell confessed to multiple catalytic converter thefts in the area.

Robert William Hartsell

He has been charged with theft, possession of burglary tools, and driving on a suspended license. Hartsell was booked into the Wilson County Jail. The investigation is on-going and further charges are pending.

Team MJPD remains committed to protecting our community and will continue to work diligently to apprehend offenders committing crime in the city.

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7/29/24 1:00 p.m. Update: 21-year-old convicted felon Donte Bell, Jr. of Nashville was apprehended and booked into the Wilson County Jail moments ago.

Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Following a four-car hit-and-run injury crash on Friday afternoon, officers successfully identified the driver responsible and obtained warrants for his arrest.

At approximately 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 26, 21-year-old convicted felon Donte Bell, Jr. of Nashville, rear-ended a car, causing a 4-car collision on S. Mt. Juliet Road near Graves Crossing. Bell fled the scene immediately, abandoning his vehicle on Central Pike near John Wright Road. He is on probation out of Nashville as well.

2024 Nashville Booking Photo of Donte Bell, Jr.

2021 Nashville Booking Photo of Donte Bell, Jr.

Upon locating the abandoned vehicle, officers, with the assistance of K9 Citron, conducted a thorough search of the area. Inside the vehicle, officers discovered handgun magazines and marijuana. Further investigation revealed that Bell was picked up by an unknown individual and traveled back to Nashville. The vehicle owner, an acquaintance of Bell, then reported the vehicle stolen in an attempt to hide Bell’s identity.

Donte Bell is now wanted for Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Injury, Driving a Suspended License, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Mt. Juliet Police Department at (615) 754-2550. Anonymous tips can be provided by calling (615) 754-TIPS (8477) or through the Mt. Juliet Police Department website at http://www.mjpd.org.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. –  An adult male has been arrested following an incident involving a firearm during a continued altercation that started between two motorists. This afternoon, around 5:45 p.m., officers responded to Ponty Pool Dr after receiving multiple reports of a man chasing another man with a gun.

Upon arrival, officers swiftly apprehended an adult male suspect and recovered a handgun. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect and the first victim were initially involved in a dispute while driving. Their paths crossed again moments later when the first victim was making a delivery on Ponty Pool Dr. It was during this encounter that the suspect brandished a firearm and chased the victim down the street.

The situation escalated as the suspect pointed the firearm in the direction of other bystanders on the street, creating a frightening scenario. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

The suspect, a 41-year-old male from Mt. Juliet, has been arrested and charged with three counts of Aggravated Assault and one count of Child Endangerment. He has been booked into the Wilson County Jail.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Last night was a deeply challenging one for our community. An innocent bystander was tragically murdered in the Cedar Creek Marina parking lot (county area) following a robbery at the restaurant (city limits).

Near midnight overnight, officers responded to a reported robbery at Cedar Creek Marina and Restaurant, located at 9120 Saundersville Rd. Shortly after closing, armed suspects ambushed staff in the restaurant. Two staff members were assaulted and forced to open the cash safe. They were treated and released by medics on the scene.

Following the robbery, the suspects fled to the parking lot, where a 27-year-old male was found unresponsive with gunshot injuries. Tragically, lifesaving attempts were unsuccessful. Mt. Juliet and Wilson County Sheriff detectives are working closely together, as the incidents are connected.

Anyone with information about 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 . Detectives are particularly interested in any reports of a vehicle fleeing at high speed on Saundersville Rd or potential suspects in the area.

Our hearts go out to the friends, family members, and loved ones of all those impacted during this difficult time.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Mt. Juliet’s largest fireworks show will launch at 9:00 p.m. on July 4th from the Circle P Ranch, and the show can be viewed across much of central Mt. Juliet. Leading up to the show will be live music, kid activities, foam party, and food trucks starting at 5:00 p.m. at Circle P Ranch, which is on W. Division St near E. Main St. To ensure the event is safe and enjoyable for everyone, Mt. Juliet Police and Fire will be on site. The firework presentation, presented by Circle P Ranch, US Community Credit Union, Two Rivers Ford, and the City of Mt. Juliet, will begin around 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 4th, 2024.

Premium, excellent viewing for the fireworks will be at Circle P Ranch, church parking along Tate Lane, the train depot, and parking lots near Mt. Juliet Rd and Division St. Good views also expand out to area parking lots along Mt. Juliet Rd from Old Lebanon Dirt Rd and Post Office. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for a good viewing location.

The following link provides an interactive map of viewing locations: Google Map of Show Viewing Locations

The community should be mindful of the following traffic exit plan:

• W. DIVISION ST WILL BE CLOSED FROM 9 PM TO 10 PM FROM BROOKSTONE BLVD TO MT. JULIET RD TO ALLOW FOR EVENT EXIT TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
• TRAFFIC EXITING BETWEEN E. MAIN ST AND BROOKSTONE BLVD WILL BE DIRECTED WESTBOUND TO S. GREENHILL RD
• TRAFFIC EXITING BETWEEN 4TH AVE AND MT. JULIET RD WILL BE DIRECTED EASTBOUND TO MT. JULIET RD

 

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – MJPD is proud to announce that three dedicated officers have successfully completed the Mt. Juliet Fire Department’s in-house Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training program alongside ten Mt. Juliet firefighters. After 12 weeks and over 200 hours of instruction, along with 96 hours of in-the-field clinical experience, Sergeant Chris Barth, K9 Officer Jordan Brown, and Officer Jacob Berti have become the first police officers to establish the department’s Emergency Medical Response Team. Notably, Officer Berti achieved the top average score in the class and was named Valedictorian.

Mt. Juliet is one of only ten cities in Tennessee with its own Emergency Medical Service, allowing our police department direct access to top-notch training resources and medical protocols from the Mt. Juliet Fire Department. While this training does not alter the officers’ daily duties, it significantly enhances our city’s emergency response capabilities by adding more medically trained personnel throughout the community. Additionally, all three officers serve on the department’s Special Response Team, further boosting the team’s effectiveness with their new medical skills.

At the graduation ceremony, Police Chief Michael Mullins expressed his pride and appreciation for the officers’ efforts and strong relationship with the fire department. Chief Mullins also thanked the fire department leadership and trainers for their dedication and efforts in facilitating this successful EMT training program.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Officer Jonathon Long of the Mt. Juliet Police Department has successfully graduated from the Basic Police School at the Walters State Community College Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy in Greeneville, Tennessee. Officer Long, along with 48 other law enforcement professionals from across the state, was honored during the graduation ceremony for Class 132.

Officer Long received the prestigious Chief’s Award for Outstanding Achievement, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication. Before joining the Mt. Juliet Police Department, Officer Long enjoyed a successful career as a musician. Notably, he was one of only three trainees at the academy to voluntarily achieve the physical fitness qualification from the National Tactical Officers Association.

Chief Michael Mullins had the privilege of delivering the commencement address, celebrating the accomplishments of all the graduating officers.

Congratulations to Officer Long on this significant achievement!

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