$15k Reward Offered for information on who murdered Jamarcus Esmon

On June 27, 2020, Jamarcus Esmon was murdered – gunned down on Edgewood Boulevard. He was 26.

With Esmon’s killer still at large, the reward for information that leads to the identification and arrest of his killer has been raised to $15,000, thanks to Governor Bill Lee, who just added $10,000 to the $5,000 reward originally offered by Franklin Police. The additional reward money is thanks to the efforts of the District Attorney General, Kim Helper.

With $15k in reward money on the table, today, Franklin Police and Esmon’s family walked the neighborhood he was murdered in, hoping that their visit will encourage witnesses to come forward.

 Franklin Police will never slow in our efforts to find 
**** W h o   K i l l e d   J a m a r c u s   E s m o n ***
Crime Stoppers: (615) 794-4000
or submit your eTip here
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For Media: FPD nat-sound vid of officers in neighborhood today

Franklin Police announce several new promotions

Franklin Police Chief Deborah Faulkner promoted several sworn members of the Department during a ceremony at Police Headquarters, this afternoon

“Each of these veteran officers has demonstrated that they possess the leadership, heart, and ability to serve our citizens well,” said Chief Faulkner. “I congratulate them on this next chapter in their career and know that they look forward to serving the Franklin community in new ways.”

Promoted to the rank of Captain:
Rick Clouse

Promoted to the rank of Lieutenant:
Matt Smalley, Clayton Cates, and Aaron Compton

Promoted to the rank of Sergeant:
Robert Dilworth, Brandon Sandrell, Kenneth Gibbs, and Adam Cohen

Promoted to the rank of Detective:
Samantha Brooks and Kyle Brink

Promoted to the rank of Master Patrol Officer:
Wes Johnson, Michael Oliver, and Clint Riggs

Franklin Police Department
Professional, Progressive, Responsive
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Franklin Police: Lock your car doors

Another recent auto theft has Franklin Police, again, urging drivers to remove their valuables, lock their car doors, and take their keys with them.

Detectives are investigating after another unlocked car with the keys left inside was stolen. This one from a Gillespie Dr. apartment complex, Monday morning. The owner of the car left it unlocked with the keys inside, returning a short time later to find her car missing. The stolen vehicle was found about a mile away, later that same morning. The person who stole the car is believed to have burglarized other unlocked vehicles in the area. 

Franklin Police say that crime prevention is a shared responsibility and are, again, asking citizens to remove their valuables, lock their cars, and take their keys with them … every trip, every time.

Crime Prevention:
Not just police business – it’s everyone’s business
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Kentucky man held after attempted stabbing

Victor Hugo Ortiz
Age: 45
Lexington, KY

A Kentucky man remains jailed in Franklin after trying to stab a bouncer. Officers were summoned to the Tin Roof 2 at 1:10 am, Sunday, after 45-year-old Victor Ortiz tried stabbing a bouncer who had asked him to leave, in the neck. The bouncer was armed with a handgun and ordered Ortiz to drop the knife. Arriving officers found Ortiz, and the knife, in his car in the parking lot and arrested him.

Charged with Aggravated Assault, Reckless Endangerment with a Deadly Weapon, Public Intoxication, and Disorderly Conduct, Ortiz remains jailed on a $70,000 bond. His first court appearance is today.

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Impaired, fleeing driver arrested after running over pedestrian

An impaired driver remains jailed this morning after running over a man and then leaving the scene, last Thursday.

At 4 p.m. on June 3, Officers were summoned to the business at 303 S. Royal Oaks Blvd. after 39-year-old Bianca Bankston ran over another worker who was trying to keep her from driving impaired. Bankston then crashed into another vehicle before fleeing.

A nearby Franklin Police Officer spotted the orange Hummer Bankston was driving, moments later, as it was turning onto Murfreesboro Rd. After stopping Bankston, the officer determined that she was impaired, and arrested her. Bankston is due in court today, and remains jailed on a $35,000 bond. Her charges are as follows:

Bianca Bankston
Age: 39
Nashville, TN

  • DUI — Second Offense
  • Aggravated Assault
  • Vehicular Assault
  • Reckless Endangerment with a Deadly Weapon
  • Leaving the Scene of an Injury Crash
  • Leaving the Scene of a Crash and Failing to Give Aid or Information
  • Violation of the Implied Consent Law
  • Driving Without Insurance
  • Driving While Suspended

The man Bankston ran over was very seriously injured, and remains hospitalized.

Booze It & Lose It!
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Franklin Police urge drivers not to leave cars running; not to leave guns in unlocked vehicles

Police in Franklin are investigating after a car was stolen from a Cool Springs gas station.

At 11:00 Sunday night, a man left his car running during a quick trip into the Twice Daily at 501 Cool Springs Blvd. In a matter of seconds, a silver Ford Fusion pulled up next to it. A passenger got out and entered the running Kia K5, and stole it.

The Kia was later found abandoned in Nashville, but two handguns that were left inside are missing. Officers determined that the Ford Fusion had been stolen earlier from another city.

Franklin Police urge gun owners never to leave unattended firearms in an unlocked vehicle. Police also say drivers need to turn their vehicle off and lock their car doors, even for a quick trip inside.

Crime Prevention: Not just police business, it’s everyone’s business.
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21-1917

Hit & Run driver charged after crashing into Franklin home

Alona Sanford
Age 18
Franklin, TN

At 11:50, Sunday night, officers responded to reports that a car had struck a home in the 300 block of Battle Avenue, and that the driver had fled. Arriving officers found the vehicle unoccupied. There was significant damage to both the vehicle and the home.

A Williamson County Sheriff’s Deputy, who had responded to the area to assist, found a person walking nearby. That person, 18-year-old Alona Sanford, of Franklin, was determined to be the driver who fled after crashing into the house. No one inside the home was injured, and Sanford suffered only minor injuries.

Charged with  Leaving the Scene of a Crash, Sanford is free on the $2,000 bond set by the magistrate. She is due in court on August 24.

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Franklin PD Now Hiring: Police Officers

Through June 30, the Franklin Police Department is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Police Officer. Testing will be held on July 12 & 13. Qualified applicants will be contacted with test day instructions upon successful completion of their application.

  • $47,500 for P.O.S.T. Certified Officers, increasing to $50k after probation
  • $44,000 for entry-level, non-P.O.S.T. Certified Officers
  • Take-home car program
  • 4-day work week
  • On-site fitness facilities
  • Vacation & sick leave, paid personal days, and paid holidays
  • Shift differential pay
  • Annual uniform & equipment allowance
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Medical, dental, vision benefits
  • TCRS enhanced retirement

click-to-apply-button

Police investigating overnight auto burglaries and shots fired, in Franklin

This morning, Franklin Police are investigating multiple overnight auto burglaries. About a dozen unlocked cars were entered and rifled through. Areas impacted include the Royal Oaks and W. Main Street corridors, including Carter St. Forrest St, and Champions Circle.

Several shots were fired on Champions Circle by two black males in a silver Ford Escape. No one was injured by the gunfire, and it is unclear if there was an intended target. The suspects who fired the shots are believed to be responsible for some of the burglaries.

Detectives are asking area residents to check their Ring doorbells and other home surveillance for overnight activations, and to call if they find anything that might help. Franklin Police also want to remind residents to lock their cars & homes, and to leave an outside light on, every night, as part of the nationwide crime prevention strategy: The #9PMRoutine.

Crime Stoppers: (615) 794-4000
or 
click to submit an anonymous eTip
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