Police Chief Christopher Moews

10/22/2026

October 22, 2026

La Vergne Police Department Investigation Leads to Arrest Following Threats of Mass Violence

LA VERGNE, Tenn. – The La Vergne Police Department recently initiated an investigation after being notified of an Order of Protection (OOP) issued through Williamson County involving a La Vergne resident. Initial attempts to locate the respondent and serve the Order of Protection were unsuccessful.

During this time, the respondent continued making threatening statements online directed toward family members and others in the State of Tennessee. La Vergne Police Department detectives continued monitoring publicly available, open-source information and identified an escalation in both the nature and specificity of the threats.

Detectives determined that the respondent had progressed from generalized threatening statements to specific threats involving individuals and public locations in Tennessee. Those threats included references to Governor Bill Lee, Pastor Corey Trimble, and places of worship.

Based upon the escalating nature and specificity of the threats, the La Vergne Police Department took immediate action to locate the individual and prevent potential acts of violence.

The suspect was located and taken into custody following a brief struggle. During the incident, one La Vergne police officer and two LPD detectives sustained minor injuries. All three declined medical treatment.

Following the arrest, the suspect was transported for mental health observation and evaluation. Investigators subsequently obtained a felony charge of Threat of Mass Violence, in violation of Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-13-813, and a misdemeanor charge of Resisting Arrest, in violation of Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-16-602.

The La Vergne Police Department takes threats to public safety seriously. When information indicates that a threat may be escalating toward potential violence, we will act swiftly and decisively to protect our community.

This investigation also demonstrates the importance of cooperation and information sharing among law enforcement agencies. We are committed to advancing public safety through strong partnerships with our local, county, state, and federal partners.

The La Vergne Police Department specifically thanks the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, To***co, Fi****ms and Explosives (ATF), Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, and Murfreesboro Police Department for their assistance, cooperation, and willingness to rapidly share information in support of this investigation and the safety of the public.

We also encourage members of the public to report threatening statements or concerning behavior to law enforcement. Information that may initially appear insignificant can become critically important when combined with information available to investigators.

If you see something or hear something that may indicate a threat to others, say something.

The La Vergne Police Department remains committed to protecting our community through vigilance, professional police work, decisive action, and strong partnerships.

10/14/2026

Don’t fall victim… literally.

Scammers rely on urgency, fear, and confusion to get you to act before you think. Take a moment to STOP. THINK. VERIFY.

If something doesn’t seem right, slow down and confirm who you’re dealing with before sending money or providing personal information.

If you believe you’ve been the victim of a scam, contact the La Vergne Police Department at (615) 793-7744.

10/04/2026

I am extremely proud of the restraint, professionalism, and sound judgment displayed by our officers throughout this incident. This was a tense and potentially dangerous situation that could have had a very different outcome.

Their response reflects the training and discipline of our personnel and LPD’s commitment to protecting lives and keeping our community safe.

I encourage our community to continue working alongside our officers by reporting suspicious or dangerous activity, following officers’ directions during critical incidents, and sharing information that can help keep La Vergne safe. Public safety is a shared responsibility, and your cooperation makes a difference.

LA VERGNE POLICE RESPOND TO MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS

The incident began when Smyrna Police officers made contact with a subject who was unconscious behind the wheel of a vehicle. When officers attempted to assist, the subject became armed with a knife and fled the area, leading to a coordinated response involving multiple agencies.

The La Vergne Police Department received the call at approximately 1:11 PM and officers made contact with the subject at approximately 1:22 PM.

The subject was making suicidal statements and specifically requesting “suicide by cop.” Officers immediately began working to de-escalate the situation and establish communication. For approximately one hour and 15 minutes, officers negotiated with the subject in an effort to peacefully resolve the situation. During this time, the subject stated he was not going back to jail and was ingesting illicit narcotics.

When the subject ultimately cut off communication, officers took action to safely bring the situation under control and place him into protective custody.

Officers deployed less-lethal tools to disorient the subject and allow officers to safely take him into custody. The subject briefly injured himself with a knife before officers were able to subdue and secure him.

La Vergne Fire Department personnel and Rutherford County EMS were staged nearby and immediately responded to provide medical assistance. The subject was stabilized and transported for medical treatment. He remains in critical but stable condition.

Mental health crises can happen to anyone, and it never needs to reach the point of a life-threatening emergency before someone asks for help. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.

The 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

CALL OR TEXT 988. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

If someone is in immediate danger or experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

We want to recognize the officers who spent more than an hour working to communicate with the subject and safely resolve the situation, as well as the emergency personnel who were prepared to provide immediate medical care.

We also extend our appreciation to Smyrna Police Department, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, La Vergne Fire Department, and Rutherford County EMS for their collaboration and assistance.

Situations involving mental health crises can be unpredictable and require a coordinated response. Our goal is always to protect life, de-escalate when possible, and connect individuals experiencing a crisis with the help and resources they need.

09/28/2026

National Night Out is almost here and our SWAT Team is getting ready!

Members of the La Vergne Police Department SWAT Team have been hard at work preparing and practicing some special demonstrations for this year’s National Night Out!

National Night Out is one of our favorite opportunities to connect with the community we serve, showcase some of the people, equipment, and capabilities of your Police Department, and strengthen the relationships that help keep La Vergne safe.

We are incredibly grateful for the support our community has shown the La Vergne Police Department over the years, and we hope you’ll come out and spend the evening with us!

📅 Thursday, October 8, 2026
⏰ 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Veterans Memorial Park
115 Floyd Mayfield Drive, La Vergne, TN

Bring the family, meet our officers, check out the displays, and be sure to catch our SWAT Team demonstrations!

We’re looking forward to another great evening with the community we are proud to serve. We’ll see you there!

09/27/2026

We had to get in on this trend!

Join us for National Night Out on October 8, 2026 and try to dunk me in the dunk tank!!!!

09/25/2026

It was an honor to attend the graduation ceremony for the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy Basic Police Academy Class #2153, and I was truly humbled to have been asked to serve as the keynote speaker for this outstanding group of new law enforcement officers.

The day was made even more special as we celebrated two of La Vergne Police Department’s newest officers, Officer Derry Lomax and Officer Jack Sugden-Kundar, as they successfully completed the academy and took another important step in their law enforcement careers.

I want to offer special congratulations to Officer Derry Lomax, who was selected as the recipient of the Brian Grisham Legacy Award. This recognition is an outstanding accomplishment and a tremendous way to represent himself, his family, and the La Vergne Police Department.

I am extremely proud of both Officer Lomax and Officer Sugden-Kundar. Completing the academy is only the beginning, and I look forward to watching them continue to learn, grow, and serve the La Vergne community with professionalism, integrity, and dedication.

Congratulations to the entire Basic Police Academy Class #2153, and especially to our two newest LPD graduates. We are proud to have you on our team!

Congratulations, Officers Lomax and Sugden-Kundar, and welcome to the profession!



Full video:

https://boxcast.tv/view/tleta-graduation---fall---2026-n4bu1ylxytucc81tfb3x?fbclid=IwdGRjcAUjwGpjbGNrBSPAW2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHBkb2YBc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEe6-1e4q0LcG1eKLAIgSyI-ivQ_0oZiNGy3A-goMA_JvVO-WqEIi0Sj5zzQq4_aem_7pCZAQmKD2K9hE-_XcsJDw

09/22/2026

Crime Continues to Decline in La Vergne!

Year-to-date crime data shows outstanding progress across several major crime categories compared with the same period in 2025:

* Homicides decreased 100%
* Vehicle burglaries decreased 65.1%
* Motor vehicle thefts decreased 48.3%
* Burglaries decreased 34.1%
* Overall property crime decreased 14.4%
* Violent crime decreased 4.7%
* Assaults decreased 3.8%

These results reflect the La Vergne Police Department’s continued commitment to community-focused, data-driven policing. Our personnel analyze crime patterns, direct resources where they are needed most, and take proactive steps to prevent crime. Year-to-date traffic stops increased 20.7%, while drug-related arrests increased 36.5%.

Although we are encouraged by this progress, we recognize that every crime affects a victim, a family, and our community. We will continue working diligently to reduce crime and keep La Vergne safe.

I extend my sincere appreciation to the men and women of the La Vergne Police Department. Their outstanding dedication, proactive work, and commitment to public service helped produce these results.

I also wish to thank the La Vergne community for its continued partnership and support. Public safety is a shared responsibility, and your willingness to report suspicious activity, cooperate with officers, and remain engaged makes a meaningful difference.

Together, we are building a safer La Vergne.

08/24/2026

Last Friday I was honored to be asked to serve as the keynote speaker for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Session 10 Leadership Academy graduation.

It was a privilege to share some of the leadership lessons I’ve learned throughout my career and, hopefully, inspire both current and future leaders from across Tennessee.

Leadership is not about a title or position, it is about serving others, challenging yourself to grow, and helping those around you succeed.

Congratulations to the graduates of Session 10, and thank you to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful occasion.

07/06/2026

One of the greatest privileges I have as Chief of Police is recognizing the incredible work being done every day by the men and women of the La Vergne Police Department.

I'm proud to share that our latest crime statistics show we're continuing to move in the right direction.

Compared to this time last year, La Vergne has experienced:

80% fewer residential and business burglaries
33% fewer motor vehicle thefts
24% fewer theft offenses
12% fewer assaults
31% fewer domestic verbal incidents

These aren't just statistics, they represent fewer people becoming victims of crime, safer neighborhoods, and a better quality of life for everyone who calls La Vergne home.

These results are being driven by proactive policing. Our officers have increased traffic enforcement by more than 26%, with citations and warnings increasing by over 22%. Traffic enforcement isn't about writing tickets, it's about preventing crashes, deterring criminal activity, recovering stolen vehicles, and keeping dangerous offenders off our streets. The numbers show it's working.

I'm equally proud of the exceptional investigative work being done by our detectives and patrol officers. We continue to achieve outstanding clearance rates in our major crime categories because our people refuse to quit until they've identified those responsible and held them accountable. While our goal is always to predict and prevent crime, when crime does occur, our victims deserve a thorough investigation and relentless pursuit of justice.

I also want to recognize the professionalism our officers have demonstrated during several recent vehicle pursuits. These situations demand sound judgment under extreme pressure, and our officers have consistently placed public safety first while adhering to policy and making difficult decisions with professionalism.

None of this happens by accident. It is the product of dedicated public servants who care deeply about this community and who live our core values of Professionalism, Honor, Integrity, Accountability, Respect, and Transparency every single day.

To our residents, thank you for your continued trust and support. Strong partnerships between law enforcement and the community make these successes possible.

And to every member of the La Vergne Police Department, thank you for your commitment to serving others! Your work is making a measurable difference, and I couldn't be more proud to serve alongside you.

Together, we're not just responding to crime, we're preventing it, solving it, and building a safer La Vergne for everyone.

06/16/2026

Your voice matters, and your partnership makes La Vergne safer.

Join us for our Community Safety Meeting on June 24 at 6:00 PM at Rock Springs Elementary School. We’ll discuss current crime trends, public safety initiatives, neighborhood concerns, and answer your questions. This is an opportunity to have an open conversation about the issues that matter most to our community.

We look forward to hearing from you and working together to keep La Vergne a safe place to live, work, and raise a family.

📍 Rock Springs Elementary School
📅 June 24, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM



https://www.wgnsradio.com/article/99784/la-vergne-police-hosting-community-safety-meeting-june-24-at-600pm