MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WKRN) — Two men — including one wanted for rape and one wanted for domestic assault — were taken into custody in Mt. Juliet just hours apart Saturday thanks, in part, to the city’s license plate recognition (LPR) program.
The Mt. Juliet Police Department (MJPD) announced on Facebook at 12:10 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 28 that a “violent rape suspect was just apprehended” after the Guardian Shield LPR system alerted officers and directed them to his location after he “he passed in and out of the city between Nashville and Mt. Juliet near the county line along Central Pike.”
According to officials, the 42-year-old Columbia man was wanted out of Maury County for rape and aggravated burglary. In addition, he was allegedly found armed with a handgun.
“This arrest highlights the importance of advanced technology in keeping our community safe, and we’re thankful for the tools that help us serve and protect,” the department wrote on social media. “Great teamwork by our officers!”
Just over two hours later, MJPD posted about another arrest credited to the Guardian Shield program.
Authorities said the LPR system notified them about a wanted 33-year-old Nashville man who “had been threatening and stalking” a person working in Mt. Juliet. Warrants for domestic assault and stalking were reportedly obtained during the investigation on Friday, Dec. 27, so Saturday morning’s alert allowed law enforcement to act quickly and prevent further harm when the suspect re-entered the city.
“Today’s two significant apprehensions underscore the effectiveness of our officers’ dedication and the critical role technology plays in enhancing public safety,” police stated. “Our community’s continued support and investment in advanced technology like #MJGuardianShield enable us to keep our community safe, and we are sincerely grateful.”
No additional details have been released about the circumstances surrounding either of Saturday’s arrests, including the identities of the men taken into custody.
