A Tennessee State Trooper Helps Catch Burglary Suspect in the Act

Nashville, Tennessee — A Tennessee Highway Patrol Sergeant was at the right place, at the right time early this morning and helped catch a burglary suspect who broke into a Berry Hill business.

At 2:15 a.m., THP Sergeant Victor Appleton was leaving a gas station on Franklin Pike when he heard an alarm sounding at a nearby business. Sgt. Appleton pulled into the parking lot of Associated Salvage Company, located at 2708 Franklin Pike. The owner of the business was outside. When Sgt. Appleton, who was in plain clothes, identified himself as an officer, the owner asked Sgt. Appleton to accompany him inside the building to reset the alarm.

Once inside the business, Sgt. Appleton confronted a burglary suspect, identified as Bryan Joseph Blair of Nashville. Sgt. Appleton told the store owner to call police and then began to chase Blair on foot. Sgt. Appleton and officers from Berry Hill eventually caught Blair near Vaulx Lane and Kirkwood Avenue.

Officers later found a backpack belonging to Blair that contained several tools, including screwdrivers and pliers. Sgt. Appleton also recovered money that was reported stolen from the business. Blair is charged with burglary and possession of burglary tools.

Sergeant Victor Appleton is a member of Governor Bredesen’s Security Detail.