In a disturbing event in South Nashville, a 70-year-old woman endured an early morning intrusion by a registered sex offender. The Metro Nashville Police Department reports that 31-year-old Jerru Wells illegally entered the elder woman's apartment on Monday morning. "She awoke to find him by her bedside, pulling at her nightgown," according to a WKRN press release. The woman, whose presence of mind remained amidst fear, conversed with Wells and eventually convinced him to leave her home.
The MNPD quickly managed to identify Wells, and by Monday afternoon, apprehended him. Wells now faces charges including attempted rape and aggravated burglary. There are also two charges against him for sex offender registry violations. A previous conviction for sexual battery in 2015, as reported by WSMV, and subsequent registration as a sex offender in Nashville in 2018, marks Wells' criminal history, which includes prior convictions for aggravated burglary and aggravated assault.
The Special Victims Division of the MNPD led the investigation that resulted in the suspect's arrest. Wells' history is shadowed by additional charges including assault, criminal trespass, and violations of restraining orders, as found on the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry, WKRN details further.
While the investigation by the authorities continues, the victim is reportedly recovering from the incident. "The woman is doing fine," according to a statement obtained by NewsChannel 5. The resilience shown by the elderly woman in the face of such an intrusion stands in stark contrast with the disturbing nature of the crime that was attempted to visit upon her home and person.
