A former Metro Nashville Police sergeant is now facing felony charges after an altercation involving construction workers on Interstate 40 earlier this month. Sgt. Donald Barnes, who has served 26 years with the police department, was arrested Wednesday on aggravated assault charges. The incident, which took place while Barnes was off-duty driving his personal vehicle, appears to have been an intense confrontation that has now led to criminal charges.

According to WSMV, Barnes was navigating through the I-40 East near the Donelson Pike exit at around 7:30 p.m. on March 7, when he entered a closed construction zone. Ignoring traffic cones and barrels, Barnes was approached by construction workers signaling him to redirect to the open lanes. Despite their attempts, Barnes reportedly continued forward before coming to a stop with the workers standing in front of his SUV, engaging in what police described as a verbal argument.

The confrontation escalated when Barnes is said to have lunged his vehicle forward twice, "making contact with one of the workers both times," detailed a FOX17 report. The incident reportedly didn't end at the mere threat of physical violence. In the altercation's heat, the workers alleged that Barnes had identified himself as a Metro police officer and was seen holding a pistol pointed at the driver’s door where one of them stood, further heightening the tension until they ultimately moved away.

Following his departure from the scene on that evening, Barnes turned himself in almost three weeks later. The actions of the decommissioned officer, who was supposed to uphold the law, has raised questions and concerns within the community. The MNPD confirmed that the sergeant has surrendered on aggravated assault charges after the workers' reports were processed and warrants obtained, according to WKRN.