Monthly Archives: June 2015

Franklin Police Department’s K9 Thor and K9 Jager have been awarded a bullet and stab protective vests

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The Franklin Police Department’s K9s Thor and K9 Jager have been awarded ballistic vests thanks to a nonprofit organization, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.  The vests will be embroidered with the sentiment “This vest provided in memory of K-9 Aron”.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, MA whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. Each vest costs $1050.00 and has a 5-year warranty. The nonprofit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four legged K9 Officers. Through private and corporate sponsorships, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 1468 law enforcement dogs in 49 states with protective vests since 2009 at a cost of over $1.3 million dollars.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. announces their signature tank top is now available online for a $20.00 donation at www.vik9s.org. Proceeds will provide bullet and stab protective vests, for police dogs actively working without the potentially lifesaving equipment.

The organization orders the U.S. made vests exclusively from distributor Regency Police Supply in Hyannis, MA who also does the custom embroidery on the body armor. Vests are manufactured by Armor Express in Central Lake, MI.

New K9 graduates as well as K9’s with expired vests are eligible to participate. The program is open to law enforcement dogs who are US employed, certified and at least 19 months of age.

For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Tax deductible donations accepted via mail to: Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718 or the website: http://www.vik9s.org.

Driver Slams Into Police Car; Dash-Cam Shows Importance of Move Over Law, Again

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We see this same scenario play over, and over across America: Drivers who fail to obey the Move Over Law – smashing into police cars, injuring and killing police officers. The most recent case in Franklin happened at 10:30 Tuesday night.

On 06/23/2015, an officer was assisting a stranded motorist on the shoulder of I65 South near Peytonsville Road. The officer was in a marked car, with blue lights flashing. In this video, you will see the officer protecting the right lane where a tow truck driver has just finished loading the stranded motorist’s car onto his flatbed. The video shows the tow truck driver getting back into the truck moments before 52-year-old Elizabeth Dorgan, of Murfreesboro, slams into the police car protecting him.

Dorgan was cited, by the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, for Disobeying the Move Over Law and not having Proof of Insurance. The police car she hit is out of commission, pending significant bodywork; the officer is at home recovering.

The Move Over Law was enacted to save the lives of police officers, and others who put themselves in harm’s way – in service to our communities. We all want to go home safe to our families at the end of our shifts, just as badly as everyone else. We deserve that.

Those who fail to obey the Move Over Law are subject to a $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail – which is nothing, when compared to what not moving over could cost someone else. Please #MoveOver.

DUI Checkpoint, Friday; Booze It and Lose It

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Nationally, one in three traffic fatalities are a result of an alcohol-impaired driving crash. Friday night, 06/26/2015, the Franklin Police Department will conduct a sobriety checkpoint on Hillsboro Road.

In 2014, the Tennessee 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, equipment, and overtime for officers working this checkpoint.

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DUI suspect arrested after car found abandoned, him pantless

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James A. Scott Date of Birth: 12/09/1970 1502 Wilson Pike Brentwood, TN 37027

James A. Scott
Date of Birth: 12/09/1970
1502 Wilson Pike
Brentwood, TN 37027

Last night at 11:00 pm, police dispatchers received a call about a reckless driver on Highway 96 West. An officer patrolling the area discovered the vehicle, facing the wrong direction, abandoned on the shoulder of 96W near Glass Street. The driver was found behind a nearby bush, wearing no pants, no shoes, and his shirt on backwards.

James Scott, 44, of Brentwood, was charged with DUI and Violation of the Implied Consent Law. He is free on a $7,500 bond and due in court 07/02/2015 at 1:00pm.

Drive Drunk, Get Nailed
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Badges, Blue Lights, & Police Imposters; how to tell the real thing from a fake

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Real or Fake Spread

A legitimate police badge will always be accompanied by a photo ID, signed by the Chief of Police, identifying the holder as a commissioned law enforcement officer (as shown in center).

Police badges and blue lights are meant to be symbols of trust and authority. In the wrong hands, however, badges and blue lights bought in stores and online can be used by criminals to trick victims.

A badge clipped onto a belt or pinned in a wallet does not always mean that someone has police authority. If someone who is wearing a police ID vest, or who quickly flashes a badge tries entering your home or asks you to step out of your car, ask for their police credentials. All sworn officers in Tennessee are required to carry an identification card with their picture and signature of the Chief of Police, clearly stating that they are a commissioned law enforcement officer. No legitimate officer will ever hesitate to let you see and examine his or her credentials. A real police officer will never become upset about authenticating who they are.

The Franklin Police Department uses a combination of uniformed officers in marked police cars, and plain-clothes officers in unmarked cars. None of our unmarked police vehicles has a single blue light on the dash. We use a combination of professionally installed emergency lights that can be easily seen 360°, and all of our vehicles are equipped with a siren.

If you have any doubt about whether you are dealing with a real police officer, call 911. Dispatchers can easily authenticate if the person with whom you are dealing is a real officer, or an imposter. If you feel unsafe pulling over for an unmarked car, slow way down and turn on your flashers to signal to the officer that you see him. Pull over into a well-lighted area where others are present. You can also call 911 to ask a police dispatcher to verify that it is a real police officer pulling you over.

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Franklin Man Charged Following Foiled Bank Robbery

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Franklin Police have formally charged 58-year-old Ricky Wornell, of Franklin, with Aggravated Robbery.

A Fieldstone Farms branch, Fifth Third Bank employee rushed to lock Wornell out of the bank after seeing him approach the entrance, shortly after 1pm today, wearing a heavy coat, carrying a backpack, and pulling a bandana over his face.

Ricky R. Wornell Date of Birth: 02/15/1957 528 Sugartree Lane Franklin, TN 37064

Ricky R. Wornell
Date of Birth: 02/15/1957
528 Sugartree Lane
Franklin, TN 37064

Employees, locked safely inside, provided police dispatchers with a good suspect and vehicle description, and direction of travel. Franklin Police Detective Richard Spaulding spotted Wornell’s vehicle near the Spencer Creek Subdivision, where he was conducting special patrols as part of a home burglary operation Chief Deborah Faulkner recently initiated. Detective Spaulding, who was driving an unmarked vehicle, followed Wornell to the Maplewood Subdivision where he and backup units stopped and arrested him.

Chief Faulkner said, “I am proud of the work our officers do, everyday – but I am especially proud today.” Chief Faulkner commends the bank employee, whose attentiveness and quick action stopped Wornell in his tracks, and kept people inside safe.

“Chief Faulkner’s experience and leadership are readily apparent,” said Franklin City Administrator Eric Stuckey. “Her plan for protecting residents from at-large burglary suspects netted a bank robber today. I commend her and our Police Department team for doing an incredible job of keeping Franklin the safe community we can be proud to call home.”

Wornell, charged with Aggravated Robbery, is being held on a $100,000 bond. He is due in court 07/02/2015 at 1:00 pm.

Alert bank employee foils robbery; Franklin Detective patrolling for home burglars makes the capture

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PrintA bank employee’s keen eye and quick actions foiled a robbery today in Franklin. The employee rushed to lock the door as a man wearing a heavy coat, carrying a backpack, and pulling a bandana over his face approached the entrance. It happened at the Fifth Third Bank, 2040 Fieldstone Parkway, shortly after 1pm. The suspect fled in a vehicle after being locked out of the bank.

Employees, locked safely inside, acted quickly to report the incident, providing police dispatchers with a good suspect and vehicle description, and direction of travel. Franklin Police Detective Richard Spaulding spotted the suspect vehicle near the Spencer Creek Subdivision, where he was conducting special patrols as part of a home burglary operation Chief Deborah Faulkner recently initiated. Detective Spaulding, who was driving an unmarked vehicle, followed the suspect to the Maplewood Subdivision, where he and backup units stopped and ultimately arrested the suspect.

“While out on patrol in an unmarked police vehicle, and on the lookout for suspects in last week’s string of burglaries, a detective spotted the suspect vehicle in this attempted bank robbery,” said Chief Deborah Faulkner. “I am proud of the work our officers do, everyday – but I am especially proud today.” Chief Faulkner commends the bank employee, whose attentiveness and quick action prevented a bank robbery, and kept people inside safe.

“Today’s arrest did not happen by accident,” said Franklin City Administrator Eric Stuckey. “Chief Faulkner’s experience and leadership are readily apparent. Her plan for protecting residents from at-large burglary suspects netted an attempted bank robber today. I commend her and our Police Department team for doing an incredible job of keeping Franklin the safe community we can be proud to call home.”

The suspect, being held on suspicion of attempted robbery, is being questioned at Franklin Police Headquarters. Additional information regarding his identity and formal charges is forthcoming.

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Chief increasing Franklin neighborhood patrols with marked and unmarked cars

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As detectives in Franklin and Brentwood continue their investigation into several daytime home burglaries, Chief Deborah Faulkner has ordered increased patrols in Franklin Neighborhoods. “Our residents were victimized by felons who took more than just their belongings,” said Chief Faulkner. “These thieves stole residents’ peace of mind, and we will do everything in our power to restore their feeling of safety, and to put those responsible behind bars.”

Increased neighborhood patrols by officers, in both marked and unmarked cars, began immediately following the burglaries and will continue for the foreseeable future. Chief Faulkner has met with members of the Department’s various units to ensure that sworn officers throughout the Department play a role in the initiative, regardless of their assignment.

Because no one knows a neighborhood like the people who live there, residents are asked to keep an extra eye out for suspicious vehicle and foot traffic, and to call police if they see anything remotely suspicious. The FPD suggests letting a trusted neighbor know when you will be away on vacation and how to contact you. Franklin Police Officers will conduct extra checks of your home while you are away on vacation. To arrange for this free service, call (615) 794-2513.

More information on last week’s burglaries, here.

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Put a name with this face & up to $1k in your pocket; Crime Stoppers: (615) 794-4000

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Franklin Police want to identify this suspect, wanted for shoplifting a pair of Beats headphones by stuffing them down the front of his pants. The headphones are valued at $300. It occurred at 10:45 am on May 26, 2015 at the Cool Springs Target. Information on the identity of this suspect is worth cash, with an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers (615) 794-4000.

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Police in Franklin and Brentwood Investigating Series of Daytime Home Burglaries

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6-12-2015 2-20-51 PM

At 11:16 this morning, Franklin Police were summoned to Harrow Lane, in the Chestnut Bend Subdivision, after a homeowner returned to find his back door forced open and items from inside missing.

While investigating this burglary, two additional reports came in from neighbors whose homes had also been burglarized. The suspects approached a fourth home in the subdivision, but left before breaking-in after an alert neighbor confronted them.

Witnesses describe the suspects as thin, adult black males. One of them had gold teeth in the bottom of his mouth. They were driving a newer model, charcoal gray, 4-door Honda Accord LX with tinted windows and a Florida license plate.

Brentwood Police are investigating a similar burglary that occurred at 11:30 Thursday morning, in the Fountainhead Subdivision located off of Franklin Road. Police believe the cases are related, and detectives in Brentwood and Franklin are working together to aggressively pursue several leads.

Franklin and Brentwood Police urge residents in the Chestnut Bend and Fountainhead subdivisions to review home surveillance video for images of the suspects or their vehicle, even if their home was not burglarized. Anyone with information should call Franklin or Brentwood Police.

Information about the suspects is worth up to $1,000
with one simple, anonymous call to
Crime Stoppers (615) 794-4000.

Burglars who strike during the day often do so in order to avoid encountering anyone at home. Most daytime burglars repeatedly knock or ring the doorbell and force their way in only after no one comes to the door. Working parents who may leave out-of-school children home alone this summer should evaluate whether or not their children are mature enough to handle this type of unexpected and potentially dangerous encounter.