Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Nashville Man Charged with Federal Firearm Offense After Firing at Metro Police Officers
U.S. Attorney Reiterates Zero Tolerance of Violence Directed at Law Enforcement Officers
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – April 10, 2017 – Antonio L. Bender,19, of Nashville, Tenn., has been charged with being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of firearms, announced Jack Smith, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. These charges follow an incident on March 27, 2017, where Bender shot at two Metropolitan Nashville police officers who were investigating the sound of gunfire in the area of the J.C. Napier and Tony Sudekum public housing developments.
“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,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jack Smith. “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.”
According to the criminal complaint, on March 27, 2017, two uniformed Metro Nashville police officers were patrolling on Charles E. Davis Blvd., in the area of the J.C. Napier and Tony Sudekum public housing developments when they heard gunfire. Both officers exited their patrol car to investigate further and heard additional gunshots as they walked toward the building at 168 Charles E. Davis Blvd. The officers then encountered two suspects, one of which, later identified as Bender, pointed two guns equipped with laser lights at the officers and fired one shot. Bender then fled and after a short foot chase, he was taken into custody by the officers and two loaded, semi-automatic pistols were recovered.
Subsequent investigation by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives determined that Bender was a regular user of marijuana and cocaine and he is a member of the Rollin 60s gang.
If convicted, Bender faces up to 10 years in prison.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sunny A.M. Koshy is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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