MT. JULIET, TN (WGNS) - Police in nearby Mt. Juliet, just across Percy Priest Lake from Rutherford County, are continuing their steady push against offenders moving through the city. That effort paid off again Saturday afternoon when a license plate reader alert flagged a vehicle tied to felony crimes, leading officers straight to a wanted 20‑year‑old Nashville man.

According to Mt. Juliet Police, the alert came in as the vehicle entered the city along Old Lebanon Dirt Road. Officers moved quickly, locating and stopping the car at the entrance of the Laurel Valley Apartments. The driver was taken into custody without incident.

Once detained, officers confirmed the man was wanted out of Sumner County on felony burglary and vandalism charges. Police say the vehicle itself was connected to the earlier crime, which is why the license plate reader system immediately notified officers as it crossed into the city.

Mt. Juliet officials emphasized that their goal is to protect not only the people who live in the city, but also the thousands who travel through it every day. They point to a combination of crime‑fighting technology, strong partnerships with surrounding agencies, and a service‑driven approach as key reasons Mt. Juliet continues to rank among Tennessee’s safest communities. Current statewide rankings list Nolensville as the safest city, followed by Signal Mountain, Brentwood, and then Mt. Juliet.

That reputation for safety is beginning to ripple outward. Statisticians and law enforcement observers are taking note of similar efforts underway in La Vergne, the northern Rutherford County city that borders Davidson and Wilson counties. Officers there have been increasingly proactive, and word is spreading among offenders that La Vergne is becoming a place where offenders need to avoid.

As Mt. Juliet and La Vergne continue coordinated policing, both communities are building a strong reputation--if you’re wanted or carrying out crimes, these are not the cities to pass through.