UPDATE 8:03PM: A tense situation unfolded Saturday (10/3/2026) afternoon after Smyrna Police first encountered a man unconscious behind the wheel of a vehicle. What began as a welfare check quickly escalated when the man woke up, armed himself with a knife, and fled the area. That set off a coordinated response involving Smyrna Police, La Vergne Police, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, La Vergne Fire, and Rutherford County EMS.
La Vergne officers received the call at 1:11 PM and located the man about eleven minutes later. From the moment they made contact, it was clear he was in crisis. He made repeated suicidal statements and even requested “suicide by cop,” something officers train extensively to avoid. They immediately shifted into de‑escalation mode, talking with him, trying to build rapport, and urging him to put the knife down.
For roughly an hour and fifteen minutes, officers negotiated with him. During that time, he told them he wasn’t going back to jail and began ingesting narcotics, adding another dangerous layer to an already unstable situation. Eventually, communication broke off. When the man stopped responding, officers had to act.
Less‑lethal tools were deployed to disorient him long enough for officers to move in safely. He briefly injured himself with the knife before officers were able to subdue and secure him. La Vergne Fire and Rutherford County EMS, who had been staged nearby throughout the incident, immediately stepped in to provide medical care. The man was stabilized and transported for treatment. Authorities told NewsRadio WGNS he remains in critical but stable condition.
Chief Michael Moews emphasized afterward that a mental‑health crises can happen to anyone, and they don’t have to reach a life‑threatening point before someone asks for help. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7, offering free and confidential support. Call or text 988 anytime. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Officials also recognized the officers who spent more than an hour trying to communicate with the man, as well as the emergency personnel who were ready to provide immediate medical care. They extended appreciation to all agencies involved, noting that situations like this are unpredictable and require teamwork, patience, and a commitment to preserving life.
Their goal, they said, is always the same: de‑escalate when possible, protect everyone involved, and connect people in crisis with the help they need.
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED
LA VERGNE, Tenn. (WGNS) - La Vergne Police Department (LVPD) officers are actively negotiating with a barricaded subject inside a vehicle at the Pilot Gas Station on Waldron Road.
Smyrna Police Department (SPD) officers initially attempted to conduct a welfare check involving the individual. The driver fled the scene, leading LVPD officers to locate the vehicle parked at the La Vergne gas station shortly after.
Law enforcement officials state the individual is armed with at least two knives and has made statements indicating he may be suicidal. LVPD officers remain on scene, negotiating directly with the man while evaluating options to bring the situation to a safe, peaceful resolution.
Authorities ask all Rutherford County motorists and residents to avoid the Waldron Road area to allow emergency crews to safely handle the incident.
