MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WGNS News) -  A 44-year-old Murfreesboro man wanted by Rutherford County authorities on felony child abuse and other charges was taken into custody Thursday morning (09/17/26) in Mt. Juliet. The arrest came six days after Rutherford County authorities issued warrants for the man on charges of Felony Child Abuse, Domestic Assault and two counts of Harassment.

According to a media release issued by the Mt. Juliet Police Department at 9:45 Thursday morning, the department's Guardian Shield alert system helped officers locate the Rutherford County suspect after a vehicle associated with him entered Mt. Juliet from Interstate 40 onto Golden Bear Gateway. A license plate reader alerted officers to the associated hot-listed license plate, prompting officers to begin searching the area.

Officers were unable to immediately locate the vehicle, but technology provided another lead as the vehicle continued through Mt. Juliet. A second license plate reader near Lebanon Road and Nonaville Road alerted police that the vehicle was still moving through the community. Later, an off-duty officer spotted the wanted Murfreesboro man parked in the Watersedge neighborhood. On-duty officers responded and took him into custody without incident. Police said officers also discovered that he was driving on an indefinitely revoked driver's license.

The arrest highlights how quickly a Rutherford County criminal investigation can extend beyond county lines. In the Mt. Juliet Police Department's media release, the agency stated, “Criminal activity does not stop at city limits. Someone wanted for a serious crime in one community can be in another within minutes. That is exactly why proactive policing, responsible use of technology guided by strict policy, and strong partnerships across jurisdictional lines matter.”

The suspect, whose name will be released as soon as it is confirmed by WGNS, is facing charges of child abuse / neglect / endangerment and domestic assault in Rutherford County, all tied to an alleged incident that reportedly occurred on Sept. 11, 2026. His hearing will be on October 28, 2026 in a Rutherford County courtroom.