Ashland City, TN — A swift response from the Ashland City Police Department (ACPD) led to the arrest of two men suspected of committing auto burglaries in the early hours of December 18, 2024. The arrests follow a tip-off from a vigilant resident who reported suspicious activity at the Hickory Hills Condos along Highway 12.
At approximately 3:51 a.m., a woman called the police after spotting a man wearing a security jacket or shirt attempting to open vehicle door handles. By the time officers arrived at the scene, both the suspect and the white SUV he was driving had already fled. However, police quickly intensified their search, flooding the area, and soon after, officers spotted the SUV exiting another nearby complex.
When the vehicle sped away at 74 mph in a 55 mph zone, officers initiated a traffic stop. Body camera footage from the encounter revealed a tense exchange. Upon approaching the vehicle, officers noted the smell of marijuana, which led them to search the car. The driver, 40-year-old Marquis Neal, claimed he was speeding to get to his mother in the hospital. However, his conflicting statements about which hospital she was in raised suspicion.
The passenger, 31-year-old Joshua Caruthers, appeared to be carrying drug paraphernalia, including a pipe found near his feet. Caruthers was also wearing a security shirt, which he claimed was part of his job as a security officer in Nashville. However, law enforcement expressed doubts about his story, suspecting that Caruthers may have been using the shirt to pose as a security professional.
During the arrest, Neal became increasingly agitated, particularly when officers attempted to seize his phone. “Don’t touch my phone! I’ve been through this a million times, bro!” he shouted at the officers, according to body camera footage.
A search of the vehicle uncovered eight stolen payroll checks, a bank card, another person’s identification, and stereo equipment—evidence linking the men to the recent auto burglaries in the area.
Neal’s criminal history was also revealed during the arrest. According to the Tennessee Department of Correction, he had served a prison sentence starting in 2016 and was on parole until his sentence expired in 2023. His criminal record in Nashville includes multiple felonies, including aggravated robbery.
Both men have been charged with multiple counts of auto burglary. In addition, Neal faces charges of driving with a suspended license, while Caruthers is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Despite the serious charges, both men were released on bond.
Sgt. Alexis Duncan of the ACPD praised the officers for their keen investigative work, which led to the swift identification and apprehension of the suspects. “Just a lot of red flags… just great police work on continuing to search the area and other apartment complexes and putting two and two together,” Duncan remarked.
The arrests underscore the importance of proactive policing and community vigilance in addressing property crime and ensuring public safety.
