Nashville Police Urge Residents to Take Precautions as Vehicle and Gun Thefts Surge

Nashville, TN – The Nashville Police Department is urging residents to take immediate steps to protect their vehicles and firearms amid a troubling rise in thefts. So far this year, 873 firearms have been stolen from vehicles in the city, with 73% of all guns reported stolen in Davidson County taken from cars. In just the past week alone, 16 guns were taken from vehicles, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

As part of ongoing efforts to combat vehicle thefts and related crimes, the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) launched a special initiative on February 1. This initiative, aimed at addressing the alarming spike in auto thefts and firearm thefts, has already yielded significant results. Since its inception, the program has led to 994 arrests, the recovery of 531 stolen vehicles, and the recovery of 221 stolen firearms.

Authorities have emphasized the connection between stolen guns and stolen vehicles. Both are frequently involved in criminal activities such as carjackings and robberies. As police work to reduce these crimes, they are urging residents to take simple but effective precautions to protect their property.

“Lock your car doors, remove any valuables—especially firearms—and make sure your keys are not left inside,” said an MNPD spokesperson. “These basic steps can go a long way in preventing thefts and ensuring that stolen vehicles and guns are not used in other criminal acts.”

The police department’s efforts have been part of a broader push to address rising crime rates across the city, with a particular focus on reducing the number of guns and cars involved in illegal activities. With the holiday season approaching, officials are reminding the public that criminals are often more active during this time, making it even more important to be vigilant about securing personal property.

Nashville residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the police and to continue taking precautions to help curb the rise in vehicle and gun thefts.

McGavock High School Student Charged for Bringing Weapons to School

Nashville, TN –  A 16-year-old student at McGavock High School has been charged in Juvenile Court with carrying a weapon onto school property after a staff member spotted him exiting his vehicle with what appeared to be a rifle.

According to reports, the student, an 11th grader, was seen by a school staff member on the morning of the incident carrying what looked like a rifle. The staff member immediately alerted school security, and law enforcement was called to the scene. Upon investigation, it was determined that the weapon in question was a rifle-style pellet gun.

In addition to the pellet gun, officers discovered a machete and a hunting knife in the student’s vehicle. The student told authorities that he had been on a hunting trip and was simply moving the pellet gun from his back seat to the trunk of his car when he arrived at school.

While the pellet gun itself is not classified as a firearm, school officials and law enforcement expressed concern over the potential for confusion, as the gun resembled a real rifle. The presence of the machete and hunting knife added to the gravity of the situation.

Tennessee law prohibits carrying any weapons onto school property, including firearms, knives, and other dangerous items. Although pellet guns are not typically classified as firearms, the situation raised safety concerns among students, staff, and parents, particularly given the current heightened sensitivity surrounding weapons on school grounds.

The student is facing charges in Juvenile Court, where a judge will determine whether he violated school policy and state laws. Legal experts say the case highlights the importance of students understanding the implications of bringing any kind of weapon or weapon-like object to school, even if it is intended for recreational or hunting purposes.

School officials emphasized their commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment for all students, noting that incidents like these are taken seriously. In response to the incident, the district is reviewing its policies regarding the transportation of hunting equipment and other potentially dangerous items to and from school.

The student, whose name has not been released due to his age, is expected to face disciplinary action from the school in addition to any legal consequences. The case serves as a reminder of the strict regulations surrounding weapons on school grounds and the importance of safety in school communities.