In Nashville, 31-year-old Tanner Patterson has been arrested and charged with two counts each of aggravated rape, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated robbery in connection with two separate attacks at his Brentridge Drive apartment, according to the Metro Nashville Police.
The disturbing incidents unfolded after Patterson allegedly communicated with both victims through social networking apps and arranged meetings at his apartment. Police told media outlets the first attack occurred on January 14, where Patterson is accused of assaulting the victim with a handgun, sexually assaulting her, and stealing cash from her purse. The victim managed to escape the apartment following the ordeal.
In the second case, which transpired Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, Patterson reportedly armed himself with a handgun as the victim attempted to flee. He allegedly assaulted her, took money from her purse, and then ordered a rideshare for her. Quick thinking by the victim led to her escape, as she instructed the driver to speed away and pull over at a convenience store where police were immediately contacted.
The Metro Nashville Police's Special Victims Division had identified Patterson as a suspect in the ongoing investigation of the January 14 case. During their probe, detectives discovered that Patterson had accessed both victims' phones, deleting information from one device in an attempt to conceal his communication with the victim. Furthermore, he allegedly threatened both women, warning them of harm if they contacted the police.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, it was revealed that Tanner Patterson is currently on supervised federal release for a prior bank robbery. Authorities are now delving into Patterson's criminal history and examining the circumstances surrounding his release to understand the potential implications on the current charges.
The Metro Nashville Police are urging anyone with additional information related to Tanner Patterson or these incidents to come forward. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community is left grappling with the shock and concern stemming from these deeply troubling allegations. Patterson is expected to face a rigorous legal process as the justice system addresses the serious charges against him.
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