Mt. Juliet Police Newsroom

Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – After receiving a be-on-the-lookout from Metro-Nashville Police Department, a Mt. Juliet police officer spotted a parked hit-and-run crash suspect vehicle this past Saturday. When the officer approached, the suspect ran from the vehicle into a nearby wooded area. The suspect was eventually caught while lying in the weeds and talking on a cell phone.

On Saturday, July 18, 2015, around 9:05 p.m., Mt. Juliet’s Police & Fire Communications Center was notified by Metro-Nashville Police Department about a hit-and-run suspect vehicle that could be travelling down Interstate 40 East near the Beckwith Road area. Mt. Juliet officers began to look for the suspect vehicle, and it was quickly spotted by an officer. As the officer was travelling down Beckwith Road, he noticed it parked at the end of a driveway in the 5000 block. The officer observed crash damage on the vehicle, which was a 1999 Dodge pick-up truck. As the officer approached the truck, a male subject, later identified as Andy Chambers, 24, of Mt. Juliet, fled into a nearby wooded area.

Mt. Juliet officers and Wilson County Sheriff’s deputies searched for Chambers, and he was located by a deputy around 10:00 p.m. When he was located, Chambers was lying down in the weeds and talking on a cell phone. He was detained for Metro-Nashville Police Department’s investigation, and one of their police officers responded and took custody of Chambers for their investigation.

A warrant, obtained by a Mt. Juliet officer for the offense committed in Mt. Juliet, was issued on Chambers for Evading Arrest.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Investigators are hoping someone in the community will recognize the suspects who stole a wallet out of woman’s purse while she was shopping. On Thursday, May 21, 2015, the victim was shopping at a retail store in Providence MarketPlace, when an unknown person snatched her wallet from her purse as it sat in the shopping cart. The victim remembers being distracted by a man while she was shopping.

After stealing the purse, the suspects went to a nearby Best Buy and made purchases using the victim’s credit cards. Surveillance video from Best Buy captures a male and female using the victim’s credit cards in the store.

Investigators hope someone in the community will recognize the suspects from the surveillance video so they can be apprehended.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Mt. Juliet city officials have contacted the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) after noticing a pattern of crashes, all with the same location, on Interstate 40 East near the 226 mile-marker. Since January 1, 2015, Mt. Juliet Police have responded to nearly 30 crashes, 8 with reported injuries, at the same location on the Interstate 40 East. Almost all of the crashes have the same pattern: heavy rain and same location.

In early June, Mt. Juliet’s City Engineer, Andrew Barlow, contacted officials with TDOT after police and fire administration approached him regarding the pattern. It appears that every time there is heavy rain in that area, a hydroplane crash occurs; a car spins out and strikes the inside wall near the Mt. Juliet Road overpass. Crashes have been minor and very serious.

 

On May 26, 2015 a Mt. Juliet Police car was struck by a vehicle after it hydroplaned and struck the inside wall. The officer was already on the scene working a previous hydroplane crash.

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On July 2, 2015 a father and his two children were travelling down I-40, hydroplaned, and spun-out under a tanker-truck. Amazingly, the family escaped without any critical injuries.

Today, while emergency crews were already on the scene of a crash and tending to the patients, an additional crash occurred in close proximity to them.

Mt. Juliet officials have been in constant contact with TDOT, sending them data and photos when the crashes occur. TDOT has been responsive and is evaluating the roadway and crashes. Overnight, on July 10, 2015, a TDOT crew checked to see if any drainage was clogged in the area. Their check revealed that the catch basins and pipes were open and not clogged. Now that TDOT has ensured the drainage is open, they will be conducting a survey to check the elevations of the pavement to see if there are any low spots that could be holding water. Currently, there is no timeline of when the survey will be conducted.

Ultimately, TDOT has control over the Interstate. Mt. Juliet officials are grateful for their responsiveness and actions to look into the issue. Motorists should be reminded that heavy downbursts can bring measurable amounts of rain in short periods of time, which creates rapid ponding on roadways that can lead vehicles to hydroplane because they are travelling too fast for conditions. Motorists are urged to slow down during heavy rain to avoid possible hydroplaning.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – A 3-car rollover crash, with minor injuries, led to the closure of N. Mt. Juliet Road this afternoon. Shortly after 1:30 p.m. a Toyota 4Runner, operated by a 21-year-old male, was traveling northbound in the center turn lane when it struck a Ford C-Max, operated by a 33-year-old female, head-on. The Ford C-Max was waiting to turn into the Post Office and sitting stationary in the turn lane.

Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – An undercover drug sting led to the arrest of three alleged drug offenders, who attempted to purchase a large amount of marijuana to distribute in the Nashville area. The three offenders were arrested while they each attempted to separately purchase 100 pounds of marijuana at the Just Box It storage facility, located at 129 Sunset Circle, on Tuesday, June 30, 2015.

Alongside Special Agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Drug Investigation Division and the Metro-Nashville Police Department’s Specialized Investigative Division, Mt. Juliet’s Crime Suppression Unit began investigating the operation after learning the activity involved the sale of illicit drugs in Mt. Juliet, Downtown Nashville, and communities throughout Middle Tennessee. Today’s arrests represent the culmination of a lengthy investigation into a network of individuals accused of operating a large-scale drug operation.

Investigators also executed several search warrants today and seized 143 grams of cocaine, over 700 pills that included over 100 ecstasy pills, 8 pounds of prepackaged marijuana, and 3 handguns, in addition to 4 vehicles and $24,000 in cash.

“Today’s operation is a large hit against drug trafficking in the Mt. Juliet and Nashville areas, and I am thankful that we were able to successfully arrest these individuals who jeopardize the safety of our community,” said Mt. Juliet Police Chief James Hambrick. “This investigation was fully developed by members of our department’s Crime Suppression Unit. Due to the size and scope of this investigation, we sought the assistance of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Metro-Nashville Police Department. Together, we ensured that these individuals, who broke laws and corrupted our society with drugs, will no longer be able to operate in our communities.”

The three individuals arrested were booked into the Wilson County Jail without incident, and they were identified as:

Christopher L. Crockett, 37, of Nashville – Charged with 7 counts of Possession of a Schedule II Drug, 1 count of Possession of a Schedule I Drug, 1 count of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule I Drug, 1 count of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule VI Drug, and 1 count of Criminal Conspiracy to Distribute a Schedule VI Drug.

Crockett is a convicted felon, convicted in the past of selling cocaine and marijuana, and unlawful possession of a handgun by a felon.

Wayford Demonbreum, Jr., 40, of Nashville – Charged with 1 count of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule II Drug, 1 count of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule VI Drug, and 1 count of Criminal Conspiracy to Distribute a Schedule VI Drug.

Demonbreum is a convicted felon, convicted in the past of second degree murder, aggravated assault, and selling cocaine and crack.

James E. Jordan, 34, of Madison – 1 count of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule VI Drug and 1 count of Criminal Conspiracy to Distribute a Schedule VI Drug.

Jordan is a convicted felon, convicted in the past of reckless aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a handgun by a felon, and selling cocaine.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred Saturday evening at the Corner Market, located at 20 Benders Ferry Road. Around 8:50 p.m. on June 27, 2015, Mt. Juliet Police officers responded to an armed robbery at the Corner Market after a patron called 911 to report a robbery. Prior to police arrival, the suspect fled the scene in a Ford Escape after stealing a case of beer.

Investigators with Mt. Juliet Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene. Their preliminary investigation revealed that a male suspect entered the store, grabbed a case of beer, and ran out of the store. A 56-year-old male clerk and 46-year-old male patron confronted the suspect as he got into the Ford Escape. During the confrontation, the suspect pulled a revolver out and pointed it at the clerk and patron. As the suspect was fleeing the scene in the Ford Escape, it was reported by the patron that the suspect fired one gunshot out of the vehicle. No one was hit by gunfire nor injured during the robbery.

Later around 10:30 p.m., Mt. Juliet Police investigators confirmed that the suspect was found deceased at a home on Lakeview Drive in the Wilson County Sheriff’s Department’s jurisdiction. Investigators with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Department are investigating the suspect’s death, and they will be handling any information release on that incident.

There is no active search underway for any suspects.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the suspect’s family, friends, and loved ones. The identity of the suspect will not be released until the Wilson County Sheriff’s Department completes their investigation.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. –  Mt. Juliet’s Fourth of July Celebration in Providence is going to be grand, and Mt. Juliet Police & Fire have a plan in place to ensure the event is safe and enjoyable for everyone. The firework presentation, presented by local nursery owner Tom Needham, will begin at 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 4 and will launch from the field directly behind Target.

Mt. Juliet’s public safety teams are expecting large attendance and traffic. Safety is always a top priority, and a large amount of police officers will be present during the event for patrols and traffic control. With any large event, attendees should always be vigilant for suspicious activity. If anything suspicious is spotted, police encourage attendees to say something and call police. To contact the police department’s non-emergency line, attendees can simply call 311. In addition, the Fire Department of Mt. Juliet will have extra firefighters on hand, and Wilson County Emergency Management Agency is providing an additional ambulance crew.

The firework show should end around 9:45 p.m., and a large amount of traffic will begin to exit out of the Providence Marketplace area. A traffic plan has been established, and police officers will be controlling some intersections to help with the traffic flow.

“Mr. Needham has a great fireworks presentation prepared for Mt. Juliet, and this is a great community event,” said Police Chief James Hambrick. “In partnership with Providence Marketplace management, our public safety teams are prepared for the large attendance and more traffic. We want everyone to have an enjoyable experience.”

The following intersections will have their traffic pattern adjusted during & after the firework show:

• Belinda Parkway: CLOSED between Providence Marketplace & Providence Trail during the firework show.
• Adams Ln @ S. Mt. Juliet Rd: Traffic turning off Adams Ln will be forced to go southbound.
• Crossing Circle @ S. Mt. Juliet Rd: Traffic turning off Crossing Circle will be forced to go southbound.
• Providence Marketplace Exit adjacent to Chick-fil-A/Wendy’s: Traffic coming out of Providence will be forced to go northbound.
• Providence Marketplace Exit adjacent to Wasabi: CLOSED

Please remember, during this event, our roadways will see a major increase in traffic, so delays should be expected. 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, barbecue grills, and parking on roadway medians are prohibited.

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – With Independence Day festivities beginning to ramp-up, the Mt. Juliet Police Department is reminding residents to be careful while discharging fireworks in order to avoid injuries and noise violations.

Fireworks can be a lot of fun and full of excitement, but they can be very dangerous if they are not used safely. It is imperative that fireworks be handled with care to avoid serious burns, eye damage, and even life-threatening injuries. Premature denotation and misuse of fireworks are responsible for many burn injuries every year, which all could be avoided with proper and safe handling.  Safety should be everyone’s priority, and parents should always supervise juveniles who are using fireworks. The Mt. Juliet Police Department urges residents to be careful, follow safety precautions, and abide by city ordinances during their holiday celebrations.

In Mt. Juliet, it is unlawful to sell or use fireworks in the city limits 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 juveniles 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.
• 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. – A night time family-fun race will close two Mt. Juliet roadways this Saturday, June 13. Starting at 8:00 p.m. and until approximately 10:00 p.m., Golden Bear Gateway will be closed from Mt. Juliet High School to Clemmons Road, and Clemmons Road will be closed from Curd Rd to E. Division St. Police officers will be on-hand to ensure residents can get to and from their homes that are in the closed sections. Through traffic will not be allowed to travel on the closed roadways.

The Race for the Fallen will begin at 8:00 p.m. (or after sunset) on Saturday, June 13, which will require the roads to be closed for the safety of participants. The start and end point for the run will be Mt. Juliet High School. For more information on the Race for the Fallen, those interested, can visit their website at: https://raceforthefallen.com/?page_id=34 .

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Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – Mt. Juliet Police leadership continue to laud the Coffee With a Cop program that has been going strong for two years. To celebrate the 2-year anniversary of the program, the department has planned an ‘Evening Edition’ of Coffee With a Cop on Thursday, June 18, 2015. Traditionally, the event is held on a Friday morning, but many citizens have requested to have a Coffee With a Cop in the evening. After hearing the many requests, the department is going to try it out.

The ‘Evening Edition’ of Coffee With a Cop will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Lasaters Coffee, located at 1400 N. Mt. Juliet Road. The public is encouraged to stop by, and enjoy free coffee with cops, provided by Lasaters Coffee.

“This program has gone beyond my expectations, it’s great. At every Coffee With a Cop the community comes out to show their support for us, ask questions, and children even show up dressed as police officers,” Police Chief James Hambrick said. “We also continue to meet and see new faces at each event, which is extremely important to me. I want our community to know who protects them, and this event gives them the opportunity to meet their protectors face-to-face in a relaxed environment.”

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 top Department leadership, in an informal setting to ask questions or address concerns.

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