Help police catch this counterfeiter; Crime Stoppers cash offered for suspect ID

 

Franklin Police and Crime Stoppers have offered a cash reward for information about this suspect. He’s wanted after passing counterfeit money at several Franklin businesses. The suspect cashes the fake twenties and $100 bills out for real currency by using them to make small purchases.

Recognize him?
Call Crime Stoppers:
(615) 794-4000
or click to submit an anonymous eTip
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Alert citizen helps land burglar behind bars

Kevonte Williams
Age: 20
Columbia, Tennessee

An auto burglar is behind bars, and Franklin Police are crediting an alert citizen. Franklin Police officers flooded the area, Monday morning, after a call came in at 3:10 am from a citizen who reported that a group of men in hoodies, wearing latex gloves, were checking car door handles in the parking lot of a Reliance Drive apartment complex.

Multiple suspects fled on foot after being challenged by officers. 20-year-old Kevonte Williams was captured during his attempted escape, and arrested. Officers found stolen property on Williams at the time of his arrest. Other arrests are expected in this case.

A citizen made all the difference in this outcome, and the Department is thankful for their attentive eye and quick call. It should be noted that the only cars entered had been left unlocked by the owners. Franklin Police want to remind citizens of the importance of locking their car doors at night, and never leaving valuables inside – especially guns.

Charged with x3 counts of Burglary and one count of Evading, Williams remains jailed on the $35,000 bond set by the Magistrate. He is due in court on March 1.

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Tips on avoiding tax season scams, from our friends at Age Well Middle Tennessee

 

As a new tax season ramps up, keep in mind that scammers will be ramping up their efforts to steal YOUR money. The scams come in different forms: phishing emails, harassing phone calls, and tax return identity theft.

Here are some steps to help keep your identity and money safe:

  • File taxes early to avoid scammers
  • Be cautious about tax-related emails. Do not use links within the email.  Instead, go to the IRS website for relevant information
  • Hang up on IRS impersonator phone calls
  • Report suspicious emails or phone calls ASAP
  • Shred bank and tax documents before throwing them away
  • Update your computer security software

The IRS offers an option called Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) that assigns a unique six-digit code to eligible taxpayers that helps limit fraudulent tax returns. There is more information available at www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin.

Here are some reminders about the IRS. They will NEVER:

  • call about past taxes without having mailed several notices first
  • call to demand payment with threats to involve law enforcement and have you arrested
  • call or email asking you to divulge personal and/or financial information
  • require payment without allowing you to appeal or even question the amount due
  • require you to use a specific payment method like a pre-paid debit card
  • ask for your credit/debit card and/or bank information over the phone

If you receive any IRS-related scam communication, please report to Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at www.treasury.gov/tigta/ and to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov.

(Information courtesy Council on Aging)

Repeat shoplifter gets away after dragging clerk with car

Franklin Police need your help to identify a repeat, local liquor store shoplifter. At least twice, this suspect visited Westside Wine and Spirits on Front Street, and put two bottles of booze down his pants.

A clerk confronted the suspect during the second in-progress theft, following him out to a light blue Mazda car. That’s when the suspect physically assaulted and then drug the clerk with his car, threatening to run him over. The suspect got away and the clerk was not seriously injured. There is a cash reward of up to $1,000 if you know who the suspect is.

Recognize him?
Call Crime Stoppers:
(615) 794-4000
or click to submit an anonymous eTip
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Franklin Police Officer celebrated for 25 years of service; Detective Sergio Guerra to retire, Thursday

Detective Sergio Guerra began patrolling Franklin neighborhoods in 1997. His last day on the force is Thursday.

Family, friends, colleagues, and community members will celebrate Guerra’s career at 2:30, February 24, at Franklin Police Headquarters, 900 Columbia Avenue.

Throughout his distinguished career, Guerra served as a Patrol Officer, Hostage Negotiator, and Firearms Instructor, before being promoted to Detective. During his tenure in that position, Guerra has worked closely with victims of rape and abuse, helping them find healing while holding their abusers accountable in criminal court.

“Detective Guerra has had an amazing career and been a great friend to all,” said Chief Deborah Faulkner. “We are thankful for his dedicated years of service to the City of Franklin.” 

Sergio’s contributions to the Franklin Police Department and community have been immeasurable, and he will be greatly missed by everyone who has had the pleasure of serving alongside him.

COLLEAGUES, FRIENDS & CITIZENS CAN LEAVE THEIR SENTIMENTS AND WELL-WISHES FOR Detective Guerra BY POSTING THEM IN OUR LEAVE A REPLY FIELD, BELOW.
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Crime Stoppers cash reward if you can help catch a thief

Franklin Police and Crime Stoppers are offering a cash reward for information about this crook’s identity.

This suspect is wanted for using a stolen credit card at the gas pumps during his visit to this Franklin gas station. The stolen card was taken during an auto burglary. The suspect see here was driving a black Toyota Camry or Corolla.

Call Crime Stoppers if you recognize him.

Crime Stoppers:
(615) 794-4000
or click to submit an anonymous eTip
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Register: Franklin PD, February 23 Stay Safe Seminar

(Video shows previous, pre-pandemic classes. Class sizes now limited & socially distanced)

The Franklin Police Department has scheduled a free 1.5 hour seminar designed to help keep citizens safe during an active shooter situation.

Because community preparedness can help save lives, Franklin Police want to share information on three main, national best practices:
Avoid, Deny, Defend.

The seminars are free and open to the public
-pre-registration is required-
Class size is limited

Presentation2WHEN
Wednesday, February 23
10-11:30 am
WHERE
FPD Headquarters | 900 Columbia Avenue

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Franklin parents, teens, employers, school and church leaders,
any member of the Franklin community.

click-here-to-register-button

No cameras or recording devices will be allowed into the seminar. Media wishing to interview Franklin Police staff, instructors, or attendees need to make prior arrangements with Franklin Police Public Affairs, Lt. Charles Warner.

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Franklin Police charge Sunday morning parking lot shooter with x7 counts of Attempted Murder

Jeremy Fowler
Age: 27
Franklin, Tennessee

Franklin Police have charged a Sunday morning shooting suspect with seven counts of Attempted Murder, and Possession of a Firearm During a Dangerous Felony.

It happened in the Murfreesboro Rd. Waffle House parking lot, where officers were summoned at 3:30 a.m., February 13. Arriving officers found multiple shell casings outside, but everyone involved was gone.

Witnesses reported that two men who were arguing inside the restaurant walked out into the parking lot. Once outside, an uninvolved carload of seven people, ranging in age from 16-20, yelled something at the arguing men. That’s when the suspect, later identified as 27-year-old Jeremy Fowler, of Franklin, turned his attention from the man he was arguing with, pulled a gun, and began firing into that carload of people.

Witnesses provided a description of everyone involved, including a license plate number. That information helped lead officers to both the suspect and victims in this case. Miraculously, no one in the car that Fowler shot into was injured. Fowler and the people in that car did not know one another.

At least two others accompanied Fowler at the time of the shooting. No charges have been filed against those men, but additional charges in this case could be forthcoming.

Detectives are also working to identify the man Fowler was originally arguing with. Anyone with information that could help investigators is asked to call Franklin Police at (615) 794-2513, or Crime Stoppers.

Fowler is being held in the Williamson County Jail on the $775,000 bond set by the Magistrate.

Crime Stoppers: (615) 794-4000
or click to submit an anonymous eTip
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Video: Aggressive motorcycle driver wanted after road rage turns physical

Franklin Police and Crime Stoppers are offering a cash reward for information on who this angry driver is.

In this video, you see him punch and shatter the driver’s side mirror of another motorist, following a verbal traffic altercation. It happened on Murfreesboro Road near I-65. The white male driver of this blue sport bike, with an extended swingarm, possibly had an Australian accent. Call Crime Stoppers if you know who he is.

Crime Stoppers:
(615) 794-4000
or click to submit an anonymous eTip
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Part-time opportunity: Franklin Police now hiring school crossing guards

School Patrol PromoThe Franklin Police Department is seeking qualified applicants for the position of School Crossing Guard.

School Patrol team members work part-time hours and are responsible for pedestrian safety & efficient traffic flow in school zones.

The ideal applicant is assertive but kind, and able to work in varying weather conditions.

Starting pay is $18.85/hour 

click-to-apply-button