Doorbell-camera footage from a Hermitage home captured a brazen overnight theft on Friday, as three armed suspects made off with a 2018 Infiniti parked in a driveway while a small child slept inside the house. The video, shared by neighbors with local media, shows the crew moving with practiced speed before disappearing down the street. The homeowner, who did not want to be identified, stayed out of the spotlight while the clip made the rounds.
Doorbell Video Lays Out The Theft
In the footage, one suspect smashes the driver-side window of the Infiniti, climbs in, and gets the SUV rolling, according to WKRN. The vehicle is pushed into the street, then driven away, while two other suspects act as lookouts and follow in a white sedan.
Neighbors told reporters that at least two of the suspects appeared to be carrying long guns, and WKRN noted they were described as holding what “appeared to be assault weapons.” Metro Council member Jordan Huffman said the scene felt “a little too close to home” and added that investigators “are aware of the crime and working the case aggressively.”
Police Response And Citywide Context
Metro officers say they are investigating and have recently increased efforts around vehicle crimes following a run of similar incidents across Nashville. Department data for the first quarter shows auto-theft categories trending down overall, but still at significant levels.
WSMV reported that auto theft was down about 39.9% in the first quarter of 2026. Even with that drop, detectives are staying busy: NewsChannel 5 noted that officers recently recovered stolen firearms and a vehicle tied to an armed robbery in the Hermitage area, an example of how cases can move quickly when solid leads or camera footage are available.
How Neighbors Can Reduce Risk
Police and city officials are again pushing basic but effective moves that make cars less tempting targets: lock all doors, keep valuables out of sight, consider VIN etching or other anti-theft devices, and register exterior cameras with Metro’s community-safety network, as recommended by the Metro Nashville Police Department’s H.E.A.T. auto-theft program. For more on that initiative and prevention tips, see the Metro Nashville Police Department site.
Investigators are asking anyone with video or information about the Hermitage theft to contact Metro Nashville detectives. The homeowner has already turned over his doorbell footage to the police. The clip is a pointed reminder of how fast a vehicle theft can unfold and why officers keep urging residents to secure their cars and share any camera footage when crimes occur, according to WKRN.
