'Zero Tolerance': U.S. Attorney Vows To Take On Those Who Shoot Police

NASHVILLE, TN — Nashville's Acting U.S. Attorney says federal prosecutors have "zero tolerance" for people who shoot at police and will, if possible, file appropriate federal-level charges against those who do.

AUSA Jack Smith announced that 19-year-old Antonio Bender is charged with being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of firearms following a March 27 incident in which Bender is accused of firing at two Hermitage Precinct Metro Police officers during a chase in and around the J.C. Napier Homes and Tony Sudekum Apartments.

“Let me be perfectly clear – the U.S. Attorney’s Office has a zero-tolerance policy when violence is directed at our law enforcement officers,” Smith said. “When such violence is directed at law enforcement officers the U.S. Attorney’s Office will give full priority to determining whether federal laws have been violated and if so, will seek to prosecute the offender.”

Hermitage Precinct officers Justin Chisholm and Jonathon Sheppard were investigating a shots-fired complaint around 11:30 p.m. March 27. Chisholm and Sheppard were unable to locate a victim but they were told that the two shooters had fled into a nearby alley and they continued to patrol. Just before midnight, the pair heard more gunfire and rounded a corner.

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According to a MNPD release, they saw two men, one of whom raised a laser-sighted pistol and fired. Because of the risk to bystanders, the officers did not return fire. Chisholm and Sheppard chased the armed man, later determined to be Bender, and arrested him on University Court and recovered two hand guns, according to investigators.

Investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives say Bender is a regular user of marijuana and cocaine and a member of the Rollin 60s gang.

If convicted of the federal charges, Bender faces up to 10 years in prison.

Image via MNPD