A Murfreesboro man's alleged weekend activities drew the attention of at least three different law enforcement agencies.
According to an article in the Shelbyville Times-Gazette, Jesse Caldwell's alleged crime spree placed two schools on lockdown after he stole a car in Murfreesboro and fled south to Bedford County.
The Times-Gazette said Caldwell, 23, of Murfreesboro stole a car from a friend early Friday morning. The friend, along with two other women chased the suspect down and fired shots at him.
"Caldwell allegedly drove through backyards in the Forest Avenue-Birch Street area, with the women following close behind. All three women have been charged with reckless endangerment," the Times-Gazette said.
The suspect wrecked the car and reportedly fled the scene. Initial reports said the suspect was armed, which led Shelbyville Central High School, Harris Middle School and Learning Way Elementary School to be placed on lockdown.
Officers spent Friday morning searching Shelbyville for Caldwell with no luck.
He wasn't found until Sunday when officers from the Murfreesboro Police Department spotted another vehicle authorities suspected Caldwell stole. They initiated a pursuit and chased Caldwell to a location in the 500 block of Twin Oak Drive.
There, an officer exited his vehicle, identified Caldwell, and shot into the vehicle. Caldwell was not shot but sustained minor injuries from broken glass. No law enforcement officers were injured in the incident.
After being examined and treated at a local hospital, authorities booked Caldwell into the Rutherford County Jail.
After the officer-involved shooting, 16th District Attorney General Jennings Jones requested TBI Special Agents continue to investigate the circumstances of the shooting.
According to a press release from MPD, Officer Phillip Simpson was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Simpson has been employed by the Murfreesboro Police Department since 2013.
Preliminary information indicates several law enforcement agencies in Rutherford and Bedford counties were involved in efforts to arrest Caldwell on warrants charging him in connection to several crimes over the past week, TBI said in a press release.
TBI agents continue to gather any and all relevant interviews and evidence.
Throughout the investigative process, findings will be shared with the District Attorney General for his further review and consideration.
Caldwell is being held in the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center on local charges of felony escape from the custody of an officer, driving on a revoked license, evading arrest, and violation of community corrections. In Bedford County, he faces charges of Aggravated Burglary, Criminal Attempted Aggravated Robbery and Theft over $10,000. His bond is $12,000.
