KSPD apprehends 3 Texas gang members after attempted robbery

The Kingston Springs Police Department (KSPD) – with support from the Cheatham County Sheriff's Office, Nashville Metro Police Department, TN Highway Patrol, and TN State Parks – apprehended three males believed to be gang members after an extensive manhunt occurred on the evening of Wednesday, Aug. 7.

The men arrested have been identified as 23-year-old Jayveon White, 24-year-old Michael Austin Murphy, and 24-year-old Trevion Rice, who have criminal histories from Florida and Texas.

According to KSPD, the three suspects are alleged gang members from Houston, Texas, and “appeared to be on a criminal spree along I-40.” The trio came to Kingston Springs in a stolen car from Antioch that KSPD’s license plate readers spotted. Seven minutes later, KSPD responded to a shots fire call. 

The three men attempted to rob a homeowner who lives near East Kingston Springs Road and Luyben Hills Road. The homeowner fired a shot at the fleeing suspect vehicle, KSPD said, and reported the crime to 911. 

A second 911 caller heard the gunshot in the same area and observed a white sedan speeding away from the area. The caller was able to provide detailed information about the vehicle, KSPD said.

A KSPD officer quickly located the vehicle parked in the 100 block of Hillcrest Road. As the Officer approached the vehicle, three males exited and fled in different directions.

Officers from across the midstate promptly established a perimeter to contain the suspects, KSPD said. With support from helicopters provided by both the Metro Nashville Police Department and TN Highway Patrol, ground units effectively coordinated a search that resulted in the apprehension of all three individuals.

Following the manhunt and the extensive investigation, KSPD said the three suspects were conducting a “criminal spree along I-40.” 

“Shortly before this incident, they are believed to have committed an armed robbery against an ATM employee at a bank in Nashville,” the department said. Authorities said they recovered thousands of dollars in cash when apprehending the suspects.

KSPD said it’s a “mystery” why the three men stopped in Kingston Springs while leaving Nashville. The investigation and suspects have now been handed over to the FBI.

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all of the officers, two legged and four legged, for their commitment to locating these individuals and to the vigilant citizens who contacted 911 to report the crime and subsequent sightings of the suspects,” KSPD Sgt. Jeremy Vaughan said. 

As of Thursday, Aug. 8, the suspects are being held in the Cheatham County Jail for resisting arrest, but aggravated robbery warrants have been issued against all three in Nashville, according to officials. Once the Cheatham County charges are resolved, they are expected to be booked in Nashville.