Taking Walmart price rollback too far

At 7:15 last Friday night, the man pictured above switched price tags on a two different boxes of Lego toy sets he wanted to buy with the tags on lower priced sets. The switch saved him $234, which is far less than his bond will be if you help police put a name to his face. Recently obtained surveillance video shows the man and the older model red truck in which he was seen leaving. If you know who he is, you could receive up to $1,000 cash with a call to Williamson County Crime Stoppers at 794-4000. 

To send an anonymous tip to Franklin Police, text the keyword 615FPD, along with your message to 847411 (Tip411), or call Franklin Police at (615) 794-2513 

PC thief at large -- he won't byte

THE MAN IN THIS PHOTO TOOK TWO LAPTOP COMPUTERS FROM THE WAL-MART SUPER CENTER IN DICKSON, TN. HE THEN DROVE AWAY IN THE RED CAR IN THE PHOTO. HE IS WANTED FOR QUESTIONING ON THIS THEFT. IF YOU CAN IDENTIFY THIS PERSON PLEASE CALL DICKSON POLICE AT 615-446-5403 OR DET. CHAD FUSSELL AT 615-441-9577.

Just say goodbye

The Columbia Police Department, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration, will host a Prescription Drug Take Back Day at Center Court of the Columbia Mall on Saturday, September 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Please help us in our fight to remove diverted prescription drugs from our streets. All you have to do is drop off your old prescription drugs, with no questions asked and no forms to fill out.  

Contact Information: 

Sgt. Tony Gray
C.O.P.S. Unit
931-840-5977
tgray@columbiatn.com

Identity Crimes Unit formed

(From Clarksville Online): Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons announced the formation of a new investigative unit to combat the increase in identity theft and related crimes in Tennessee. The newly formed Identity Crimes Unit is comprised of employees from three divisions of the department: Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security, and Driver Services Division.

Additionally, the Identity Crimes Unit is receiving support from federal partners. The U. S. Secret Service Nashville and Memphis field offices, Homeland Security Investigations under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the FBI Memphis division are supporting the Identity Crimes Unit in investigations with possible federal violations.

The new unit is the direct outgrowth of the department’s top-to-bottom review requested last year by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam.

According to the Consumer Sentinel Network, a database used by law enforcement to collect consumer complaints, in 2011 there were 4,275 complaints of identity theft filed in Tennessee, compared to 4,175 filed in 2010.  Nationwide, in 2011 there were 279,156 complaints of identity theft filed, compared to 258,854 filed in 2010.

The Identity Crimes Unit provides support to local law enforcement upon request, but will consider several factors to determine the level of involvement. Some of these factors include fraudulent use of a driver license; a nexus to homeland security issues; cooperation of victims; violation of Tennessee’s felony theft law; the number, financial amount, and frequency of transactions; and referral from a federal agency.

Investigators and staff assigned to the Identity Crimes Unit have been training for months to increase skills in the area of identity crimes and collect best practices for this type of investigating from other states.

The unit has created a resource kit for identity theft victims and has linked it to www.tn.gov/safety. Investigators will also participate in programs and events to encourage identity theft awareness, distribute educational materials to safeguard against identity crimes, and encourage the public to take proactive steps to reduce the debilitating impacts of identity crimes.

Crime news from Fayetteville, Hermitage

(From WSMV-TV and MSNBC): Investigators with the Tennessee Highway Patrol arrested two individuals on Tuesday in connection with the death of a 21-year-old man in Lincoln County.

Austin Lockard, 19, of Fayetteville, and a 17-year old male from Hazel Green were taken into custody after investigators suspected they were involved in the incident that killed 21-year-old Bradley Durham. His body was discovered on the side of Ardmore Highway in Fayetteville late Sunday night.

Lockard, the suspected driver, was charged with reckless endangerment, failure to render aid, aggravated assault, and criminal responsibility. The 17-year-old passenger was charged with criminal responsibility.

The circumstances surrounding Durham's death remain under investigation.

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office assisted the Tennessee Highway Patrol in the investigation.

HERMITAGE MOST WANTED:  Visit the Crime Times site

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Think before you list

(From News Channel Five):  It's another Craigslist scam that's targeting trusting people looking for a quick fix-it man. Police said robbers are claiming to repair anything from electronics to guitars, or in the most recent case, an iPod.

That's what happened to a 70-year-old man who posted an ad asking for help repairing his iPod. As it turns out, the person who said they could fix it was just part of a larger burglary ring that searches the site for easy targets.

"I drop my guard a lot, and I am an old dog anyway, so I am trying to learn how to better that situation," said 70-year-old Leo Garcia.

Garcia said he is too nice and too trusting, and this time it caught up with him on Craigslist when a seemingly nice young student responded to his help ad. 

"I am not saying that Craigslist is bad, but there are bad people using it against decent people," said Garcia.

The student picked up the iPod and said he'd bring it back a few days later. But Garcia learned that the first visit was merely to scan Garcia's house and the second visit was planned out when they knew that he wouldn't be home. The house was their easy target for a burglary.

"They were making sure that I wasn't here when they called," he said.

Police said it was three Clarksville men who ransacked Garcia's house and stole $10,000 worth of guitars, jewelry and rare coins. All three have been charged with Aggravated Burglary. Two of those who were arrested, Curteis Arzon and Malcolm Chase, were both already on probation for Aggravated Burglary charges. The third suspect, Robert Geralds, has no criminal history at all and, in fact, is supposed to start college in Florida in just a couple of weeks.

"That is the way he chooses his victims and sets up this kind of break in," said Eric Ewing with the Clarksville Police Department.

Now Garcia is searching Craigslist, not for help, but for his stolen instruments.

"When I am by myself, and I am down in the dumps my guitar picks me up, I'm happy my guitar helps me smile," he said as he strummed one of the guitars that was found and returned.

Police are trying to track down the other stolen items and believe they may have been pawned in the local area.

NOTE: Comments are now welcome on this site.

Traffic stop is death for mobile meth

 A police officer who stopped a speeding car at around 9:45pm ended up taking a mobile meth lab off of Franklin streets. 

Amy Strain (pictured), 26 of Nashville, was stopped by officers after being clocked at 55 in a 40 MPH zone on Lewisburg Pike near Donelson Creek. Strain pulled over on Lewisburg Pike near Gardner Drive, and when she did, officers noticed that Strain appeared to be extremely nervous. A K9 alerted officers to the presence of narcotics in Strain's vehicle, and a variety of chemicals and other materials used to manufacture methamphetamine were discovered. Narcotics Detectives, along with the Franklin Fire Department and Tennessee Meth Task Force were called to process and decontaminate the scene. Both occupants of the vehicle had to be decontaminated by specially trained hazmat specialists. 

Amy L. Strain 
Date of Birth: 10/18/1983 
488 Lemont Dr. Apt-L 
Nashville, TN 37216 

Her passenger was later released, but Amy Strain was charged with Initiation of a Process Intended to Result in the Manufacture of Methamphetamine, a Class B Felony. Strain, a convicted felon, is being held on a $20,000 bond and due in court at 9am, August 4. 

Franklin Police Chief David Rahinsky said, "This is a great example of how every-day traffic enforcement makes our community a safer place. We didn't just stop a speeding car; we stopped a felony in progress." 

To send an anonymous tip to Franklin Police, text the keyword 615FPD, along with your message to 847411 (Tip411), or call Franklin Police at (615) 794-2513.

A victimless crime?

(From WKRN):  A Summer County Emergency Medical Services worker was fired for stealing money from the home of a dead person.

Portland police arrested and charged Ashley Choate (pictured here), 28, of Bethpage, Monday with theft of property under $500.  She was booked into the Sumner County jail on a $1,500 bond.

The charges stem from an investigation that began while Portland officers and other first responders were processing the scene of an apparent natural death on Highway 259.

According to police, during the course of the investigation, officers discovered some cash in a vehicle parked in the garage but didn't immediately take it.

When officers went back to retrieve the money, count it and turn it over to the family, the money was no longer there.

Through further investigation, detectives discovered that Choate, a Sumner County EMS for four years, was the only known person in the garage unsupervised.

Detectives interviewed Choate and she subsequently confessed to taking the money, stating it was approximately $100.

She told police she tore up the money and threw it out the window of her car on her way home from work.

Some pieces of the money were discovered at the location Choate pointed out, police said.

Choate, who is also the chief of the Oak Grove Volunteer Fire Department in Bethpage, has been terminated from her position with Sumner County EMS.

"I know that it will come out that I am the chief of a volunteer fire department and I can guarantee to everyone, nothing came out of that fire department and I don't want my actions to reflect on my fire department," she said.  

Choate called her actions a "temporary lack of judgment" and apologized.

She told Nashville's News 2 Tuesday, "Everybody makes mistakes and I know that it will come out that I am the chief of a volunteer fire department and I can guarantee to everyone, nothing came out of that fire department and I don't want my actions to reflect on my fire department."

Choate declined to answer any further questions citing the ongoing investigation.

She has reportedly resigned from her position at the volunteer fire department. 

Sumner County EMS director Keith Douglas referred to Choate's alleged conduct as "inappropriate and not expected of a Sumner EMS employee." 

Choate is scheduled to appear in court September 12.

Police provide safer streets

(From The Tennessean):   Police said last weekend’s Operation Safer Streets gang enforcement initiative, which took place Friday, Saturday and Sunday, resulted in 68 arrests involving 66 misdemeanor charges, two felony charges and 17 outstanding warrants.

Forty pills, 15.6 grams of marijuana and one gun were seized, according to a Nashville police news release.

At least three times a week, officers and supervisors representing each of the seven precincts and the Specialized Investigations Division partner together to implement strategies to combat gang crime and activities in various areas of Nashville, the release said.

Friday’s enforcement consisted of four SID detectives, eight supervisors, 22 patrol officers and two canine officers, according to the release. Areas targeted were the 1100 block of Nolensville Pike, Lutie Street, McCann Street at 3rd Avenue South, Illinois Avenue, Polk Avenue, Thompson Lane, Fairfield Avenue, Murfreesboro Pike, and Nashboro Boulevard.

Saturday’s enforcement consisted of one SID detective, five supervisors, 19 patrol officers and five canine officers, the release said. Areas targeted were Gallatin Pike, Old Hickory Boulevard, Dickerson Pike, Greenwood Avenue, and Porter Road.

Sunday’s enforcement consisted of eight SID detectives, three supervisors and three patrol officers the release said. Areas targeted were Glenrose Avenue, Haywood Lane, McGavock Pike, Myatt Drive, Harding Place at Linbar Drive, and Spence Road.

So far this year, Operation Safer Streets has resulted in 2,312 arrests on 146 felony charges and 2,273 misdemeanor charges, 12 gun seizures, the service of 700 outstanding warrants, 297 field interviews of persons believed to have gang knowledge and 10,414 vehicle stops in areas with a gang presence, police said.

Some criminal records can be erased

As of last month (July 2012), individuals who have  been convicted of certain non-violent crimes and
have maintained a clean record will have an opportunity to have that conviction erased from their
criminal history. The legislature passed a law that went into effect July 1 which allows
Tennesseans to have certain crimes expunged, or cleaned off their record.

The types of crimes that are eligible are non-violent, non-DUI and non-sexual crimes. Many misdemeanors and certain Class E felonies including forgery, theft, vandalism and fraudulent insurance claims are
also among those that are eligible.
 
The bill was passed to allow individuals with minor offenses in their past, but otherwise a crime-free history, a chance to start with a clean slate. This opportunity is not available for anyone who has already had diversion or been convicted of other crimes. Once a record is expunged, the courts treat it as if that charge
never occurred.
 
There are several stipulations that must be met before qualifying to have a record expunged.
Individuals must have completed all the terms  of their sentencing, including payment of all
restitution, fines and court costs. At least five years must have elapsed from the completion of
that sentence, and they must have remained free of alcohol or substance abuse for one year. There
is also a fee of $350 to help defray costs of the process.
 
"This is the first time this ‘extraordinary relief’ has been available in Tennessee," says District Attorney General Torry Johnson. "Here in Davidson County, our office has a great working relationship with Criminal Court Clerk Howard Gentry and his office, and we are coordinating with them in carrying out the requirements spelled out in this new law. "We'll be working together to ensure that the individuals who qualify meet all the necessary requirements and comply strictly with the process."

Anyone interested in determining whether they qualify can go to the Davidson County District Attorney General's website (www.da.nashville.gov) for links to the list of crimes that are eligible, and the other requirements of the law. A petition to expunge an eligible conviction can be filled out at the Davidson County
Criminal Court Clerk's office the second floor of the Justice A. A. Birch Courthouse. Directions
and maps to that building are also on the D.A.'s website.

THP seeks hit-and-run truck

The Tennessee Highway Patrol is seeking the public’s help in locating a vehicle that may be connected to a hit and run pedestrian crash in Montgomery County.  The crash occurred on Trough Springs Road near Cedarmont Drive on Thursday, August 16th.

At approximately 7:52pm, Sarah Denny, 41, of Clarksville, was jogging eastbound on Trough Springs Road when what was suspected to be a silver truck struck her and continued traveling. Ms. Denny was injured in the incident.

A 42-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the hit-and-run crash. He was taken into custody on suspicion of leaving the scene of an injury accident. Investigators believe the man is withholding information on the whereabouts of the suspected vehicle.

The suspected vehicle was described as a silver pickup truck with a silver toolbox in the bed of the vehicle. The vehicle may have sustained damage in the right front and on the right outside mirror.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information on the wreck is urged to contact the Tennessee Highway Patrol at 615-741-2060 ext. 3446.

Beckoning all Wilson County citizens

Your assistance is needed with information on a wanted person.
Please forward this message to everyone you know and help bring this alleged sexual predator to justice.
   Stephen Eugene Beck (shown here) was indicted in August of 2010 in Wilson County on nine counts of Rape of a Child, 16 counts of Rape, and 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. Beck was also indicted in August of 2010 in Rutherford County on three counts of Rape of a Child. Beck was released on a total of 1.15 million dollar bond in both Wilson and Rutherford Counties. Beck was to report to the Criminal Court of Wilson County to set the trial date on July 25, 2011, but Beck failed to appear.

Beck was last seen in Wilson County at 8:00am Monday July 25 2011. Stephen Eugene Beck has been on the TBI Most Wanted Fugitives list for a year and a $2,000.00 reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest.

Stephen Eugene Beck is 5'11" and weighs 240 pounds. Date of birth: 10/27/1970. He has a tattoo on his left shoulder with a heart  with the name "April" across it. Beck has dark hair with hazel eyes. 

If you know the whereabouts or have any information on Stephen Beck, contact SA Louis Kuykendall with the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND or the Wilson County Sheriff's Department at 615-444-1412.

Knight not in shining armor

A tip to Crime Stoppers led to Monday’s arrest of convicted felon James Knight, 33, in the August 8th early morning robberies of two convenience stores.

In the first case, Knight is accused of entering the Daily’s at 7691 Highway 70 South at 4:50 a.m. and demanding cash at knifepoint. The clerk and suspect struggled before the robber fled with six packs of cigarettes.

Approximately 30 minutes later, Knight allegedly entered the Mapco at 4314 Harding Pike and again demanded cash at knifepoint. The cashier complied.

Knight, of South 6th Street, is charged with two counts of aggravated robbery. He has previous convictions for felon in possession of a weapon, cocaine possession, and theft.

A Miller High Life or death situation

If running out of beer isn't an emergency, what is?  The CNN news video link below celebrates man's -- or at least one man's -- ingenuity in the face of dire necessity. The video came from the Maury County 911 Dispatch and WSMV.

The caller was charged with the crime of making a non-emergency call to 911. We think he should be commended, for not wanting to drive while intoxicated.

Watch the video

Franklin Police conducting DUI checkpoint on Friday

On the evening of Friday, 08/24/2012, the Franklin Police Department will conduct a sobriety checkpoint at Hillsboro Road and Poteat Place. 

Last year, the Governor’s Highway Safety Office awarded the Department with a $50,000 grant to use for anti-DUI initiatives including DUI checkpoints, saturation patrols, training, and equipment. Overtime for officers working this checkpoint will be paid by that grant. 

According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Office, impaired driving and impaired-related crashes constitute one of the nation’s leading health problems. These events result in more deaths each year than do total homicides, and alcohol is a factor in 33% of all crashes in the United States. 

Visit the Booze It & Lose It site

Tips put names to the unknown and criminals in jail

In June, Franklin Police released video of a suspect, caught on tape, pocketing several pairs of high-end sunglasses – but didn’t have a name to go with the face. That changed soon after local media began running surveillance photos and video of the actual theft in progress. Tips to Franklin Police and Williamson County Crime Stoppers, along with anonymous text tips to Franklin PD all pointed to this man: 30-year-old Brandon Doubler of Clarksville. 

Franklin Police say this is a prime example of what a powerful crime-fighting force an engaged public can be when partnering with police. “In addition to the traditional Crime Stoppers program available in most communities, we offer our citizens the ability to provide anonymous text and web tips,” said Lt. Charles Warner. “The great thing about our program is that we can actually text back, engaging tipsters in real-time, two-way conversation, all while guaranteeing their anonymity. We want your information, not your name.” 

Doubler, charged with Felony Theft, is a convicted felon who was on probation at the time of his crime in Franklin. He is free after posting a $1,000 bond and due in court on August 30. 

If you had recognized this suspect putting sunglasses into his pockets, you could have put up to $1,000 in yours. Call Crime Stoppers at (615) 794-4000 for more info.

To sign up and receive regular alerts about criminals at large, visit nixle.com, or text your Zip code to 888777 and receive mobile alerts. 

To send an anonymous tip to Franklin Police, text the keyword 615FPD, along with your message to 847411 (Tip411), or call Franklin Police at (615) 794-2513