OLD HICKORY, TN – Narcotic Detectives with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office and Lebanon Police Department, along with the assistance of the Metro Nashville Police Department, conducted a lengthy investigation on the distribution of heroin and fentanyl by 30 year old Isaiah Richard Gates. 

On Tuesday evening, agents received information that Gates would be delivering a large amount of heroin and fentanyl to an unknown subject at a local business in the Old Hickory area by utilizing an Uber for transportation. Surveillance was conducted at the location on Lebanon Road in Old Hickory. 

A black Chrysler arrived with an Uber emblem in the front window around 6pm. Gates was seen exiting the back seat.  Detectives attempted to make casual contact with Gates until he recognized law enforcement and began to run. After a short foot pursuit, law enforcement made contact with Gates in the parking lot.  Gates ripped open a large bag of powder heroin in an attempt to destroy the evidence.  When taking Gates into custody, several agents and Gates were heavily exposed to the heroin.  Gates was also in possession of a smaller bag of white powder believed to be fentanyl that remained sealed. Gates was administered Narcan due to his exposure. The Uber driver, Tariku Gezahegn Bulit, was also taken into custody.

Wilson County Emergency Management responded to the scene to assess Gates and each law enforcement officer that was exposed and to decontaminate the scene. Agents were able to collect approximately 100 grams of heroin and 8 grams of fentanyl from the scene.

“We are continuing to see the rise of heroin and fentanyl use on the streets that are feeding into the addictions of many of our citizens,” stated Sheriff Robert Bryan. “The detectives that were involved with this investigation are to be commended for their work in taking Gates and Bulit off the street. These are very dangerous drugs that are taking the lives of many people and we are going to continue to hold the ones responsible accountable for their actions.”

Both Gates and Bulit were taken into custody and transported to the Wilson County Jail.  Gates is in custody on a $100,000 bond and charged with Possession of Schedule I (Heroin) with Intent for Resale, Possession of Schedule II (Fentanyl) with Intent for Resale, Reckless Endangerment x 5, and Tampering with Evidence.  Bulit was booked on a $25,000 bond and charged with Criminal Responsibility by Facilitating a Felony.

MT. JULIET, TN – On September 20, 2018, the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team and Lebanon Police Department’s SWAT team obtained a search warrant for 1712 South Mt. Juliet Road to recover possible evidence of crimes associated with vehicle burglaries in Wilson and Davidson Counties. The search warrant also listed a juvenile male who had two active juvenile petitions out of Davidson County for aggravated robberies. Both agencies executed the search warrant and located approximately 15 people inside the residence including the juvenile male that was wanted out of Davidson County.

LEBANON, TN – The Wilson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division (CID) is seeking the public’s assistance in the capture of Melton Gail Tribble (47); who currently has active warrants for Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Assault, and Parole Violation.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts that leads to the successful capture of Tribble could be entitled to a cash reward of up to $500.00. Please call the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office Crime Stoppers at 615-444-5245 with any information that would assist the CID of this incident or any crime, callers can remain anonymous.

LEBANON, TN- The Wilson County Sheriff’s Office will be partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office to promote motorcycle safety during the month of May, which is nationally recognized as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Agencies participate by providing information and increasing awareness in their communities about the importance of sharing the road and looking twice for motorcyclists.

“Motorcyclists will be out in force as the weather gets warmer, which is why it is the perfect time for us to remind the community about the vulnerability of motorcycle riders,” said Sheriff Robert Bryan. “All motorists need to know how to anticipate and respond to motorcyclists to avoid crashes.”

Here are a few safe driving tips to prevent crashing with a motorcycle:

• Though a motorcycle is a small vehicle, its operator still has all the rights of the road as any other motorist. Allow the motorcycle the full width of a lane at all times.
• Always signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic.
• If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful. Motorcycle signals are often non-canceling. Always ensure that the motorcycle is turning before proceeding.
• Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections.
• Always allow ample follow distance – three to four seconds – when driving behind a motorcycle. This gives riders more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.

According to preliminary data, there were 2,988 crashes involving a motorcycle statewide last year. Of those crashes, Tennessee experienced 134 motorcycle fatalities.

#LookTwice

On Friday, drug detecting canines from the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, Lebanon Police Department and the 18^th Judicial Task Force conducted a random search at each of the four high schools in Wilson County. An eighteen year old student from Mt. Juliet High School, Jacob J. Kachinko, was arrested after officers discovered approximately a quarter pound of Schedule VI (Marijuana) in the trunk of his vehicle. Mr. Kachinko was transported to the Wilson County Jail where he later posted a $2,000.00 Bond for Possession with Intent for Resale. There were also three other juveniles that were cited through Juvenile Court throughout the county on drug related charges.

“This was a joint effort, that we conduct periodically, to help keep drugs out of our school systems. Schools are designed to be a learning environment for students, not for drug use and trafficking. Canines alerted on several vehicles throughout the county and a large amount of Schedule VI was located during those searches,” stated Sheriff Robert Bryan. “We will continue to be vigilant at all of our schools in keeping them a drug-free zone. We appreciate the working relationships we have with both of our school systems and will work daily on providing all students and staff with a safe environment.”

3 pygmy/dwarf type goats accompanied by Great Pyrenees/possibly Pyr mix, FOUND Sunday 4.1.18 in LEBANON on MARTHA-LEEVILLE RD. near POWELL GROVE RD. – off 109 not far from 109/70 interchange/Mt. Juliet line. Appear to be from same property/family, follow each other everywhere. Someone has to be missing them! They are safely in the care of a Hickory Hill Farm foster. If you live in the area, please share with your neighbors. We are worried the owners may not be on Facebook. If owner is not found, they will be available for adoption in 30 days. Proof of ownership required to claim. Email info@hickoryhillfarmtn.org or contact 615-975-7168.

Detective Mike Barbee was selected as the “Unsung Hero” of the month award sponsored by Don Scott Insurance in Lebanon. Sheriff Robert Bryan had this to say about Det. Barbee, “Detective Mike Barbee is a great example of an unsung hero who comes into work every day and takes great pride in his duties and attention to detail. His selfless service to this community has been instrumental for this office in developing a great relationship with our citizens.”

Congratulations, Det. Barbee- well deserved!

Sheriff’s Citizens Academy to begin taking applications for Class #10

The WCSO Sheriff’s Citizens Academy will be accepting applications from now until March 6 for Class #10. The academy will hold up to 25 citizens who will complete a twelve week course which will start on Tuesday, March 6, and run from 6pm-9pm every Tuesday for the twelve week duration. All applicants must pass a background check. There are no minimum physical requirements. Every citizen that lives or works in Wilson County are welcome!

If you start noticing our deputies wearing beards, your eyes aren’t deceiving you! No, there’s no shortage of razors at the Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Robert Bryan has challenged his deputies to grow their beards to raise money for Veterans. We’re celebrating No Shave November by raising money for the Wilson Warriors Organization, a nonprofit organization helping military veterans of Wilson County.

Any information on the whereabouts of Scott Ray Damon may be rewarded up to $500. Please see attached flier for more information.