Two juveniles who had been reported missing and an adult were arrested early Tuesday after Metro Nashville police say the trio went on a carjacking spree in and around downtown. Officers stopped their vehicle on Broadway, then reviewed hotel surveillance that police say shows the same group walking into a parking garage and forcing their way into several cars. The bust came after a flurry of 911 calls from residents and a hotel valet who reported masked people prowling parked cars near a Midtown apartment building.
According to an affidavit, officers were first dispatched shortly before 5:30 a.m. to The Fallyn Apartments after someone reported two people dressed in all black with face masks apparently breaking into vehicles. A valet at the nearby Hilton Garden Inn, less than a quarter-mile away, told police three males in similar clothing had been seen and reportedly had guns, as reported by WSMV.
The affidavit states, "The suspects were seen on camera breaking into multiple vehicles while armed," and that officers tracked a suspect vehicle to Broadway before conducting a traffic stop at 1101 Broadway, where everyone inside was detained. Police say multiple unspent rounds fell from the car as the occupants got out, and that officers recovered firearms, a bag of marijuana, ski masks, gloves, and tools consistent with car burglaries. Two of those detained were identified in the affidavit as juveniles who were listed as missing or runaways, and an adult passenger was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Citywide crackdown on vehicle burglaries
The arrests come as Metro police continue to investigate a broader wave of auto burglaries across Nashville. Earlier this month, a multi-count indictment charged five men in connection with dozens of suspected vehicle burglaries, and investigators recovered multiple guns and burglary tools in that case, as detailed by Davidson County Source. Detectives say crews have been targeting hotel lots and downtown parking areas where demand for stolen electronics and key fobs is high.
How drivers can reduce risk
Metro police continue to push their Park Smart guidance as a basic defense against car burglaries. The department urges drivers to lock their vehicles, take their keys, and remove or hide valuables, steps that police say significantly reduce the odds of being targeted.
For more on reporting stolen property and available resources for victims of vehicle crime, residents can consult the Metro Nashville Police Department's Park Smart page and vehicle-crime information.
The investigation into Tuesday's incident remains active. Police are asking anyone with dashcam, doorbell, or hotel surveillance footage from the area to share tips with MNPD. This story will be updated if additional details or official charging documents are released.
