ONGOING INVESTIGATION: RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN – The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating a string of vehicle break-ins that occurred in the early morning hours of May 7, 2025, in a Blackman subdivision. The suspects—caught on home security footage—are believed to be armed, marking a concerning escalation compared to typical car burglaries in Middle Tennessee. Scroll down for video.
Multiple residents reported the break-ins, sharing video footage that showed at least two men using flashlights to peer into vehicle windows and enter unlocked cars, trucks, and SUVs. The suspects were seen rummaging through glove compartments and center consoles, searching for valuables.
In a departure from past cases, one of the suspects was seen holding what appears to be an AR-style pistol. In one video, he turns and points the weapon toward another vehicle, possibly reacting to a sudden noise or movement. Another video shows a second man casually holding the firearm as he enters an SUV.
Among the stolen items were credit cards, one of which was used around 3 a.m. that same morning at a 7-Eleven on Veterans Parkway. According to RCSO Detective Grant Quintal, the suspects later used a stolen card to purchase breakfast at a Waffle House on Clarksville Pike in Nashville.
Descriptions of the suspects and their vehicle have been released. The first man wore a Nike hoodie, black sweatpants, and black shoes. The second wore ripped blue jeans, a dark puffer jacket, and brown shoes. Both were seen driving a 2020s model Hyundai Tucson with a Tennessee temporary license plate.
A third suspect, not seen during the initial break-ins, attempted to use a stolen credit card around 8:40 p.m. Wednesday at a Walmart on Dickerson Pike in Nashville. He wore dark sunglasses, blue and white Air Jordan shoes, a red plaid shirt, a black and grey jacket, and sported a yellow cross necklace and yellow watch. He also carried a backpack.
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact RCSO Detective Grant Quintal at 615-904-3054. The Sheriff's Office strongly advises against approaching the suspects, as they are considered armed and potentially dangerous.
Residents are reminded to lock their vehicles and remove valuables to reduce the risk of theft.
