Rutherford County Sheriff's Office

05/31/2026

Ed the Zebra made his debut one year ago today in Rutherford County while galloping on Interstate 24 near the Buchanan exit near Christiana.

His six-day adventure on the lam resulted in memes, stories, books and songs throughout the nation and on four continents.

Ed's adventures allowed the nation to unify and hope for his safe recovery six days later.

UPDATED POST: The zebra search continues Sunday.

The zebra escaped into a wooded area off Interstate 24 between Joe B. Jackson Parkway and the Epps Mill Road exits Saturday afternoon and could not be located.

Owners obtained the zebra Friday night.

Cpl. Zach Campbell talked to the owners who are still searching for their lost animal.

People who spot the zebra are asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 615-898-7770 to report the location.

ORIGINAL POST: A pet zebra on the loose is wreaking havoc on Interstate 24 near Joe B. Jackson Parkway in Rutherford County, said Patrol Lt. Kenneth Barrett.

Sheriff’s deputies had to close the interstate because the zebra was running through traffic on both sides of the highway.

Westbound lanes are now open.

Eastbound lanes just opened after the zebra disappeared into the woods.

A patrol deputy took this photo of the zebra on the loose Saturday.

05/29/2026

Jury convicts suspect of aggravated r**e

A Murfreesboro man faces a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted of aggravated r**e and two counts of aggravated sexual battery recently in Rutherford County Circuit Court.

Johnny Franklin King, 44, of Grassland Drive was charged with the crimes in 2024 after an investigation by Sheriff’s Detective Sgt. Amanda McPherson.

The victim suffered multiple injuries, the detective said.

“She wasn’t sure she wanted to prosecute because she was scared of him and his violence,” McPherson said.

The victim and McPherson testified during the one-week trial.

“There could be more victims due to his use of dating apps and social media,” McPherson said.

King is being held at Rutherford County Adult Detention Center while awaiting sentencing Sept. 8.

05/29/2026

Head Monk Khamko Xayavong of Watlaobuddharam of Murfreesboro greets Sheriff’s SRO Summer Higgins and SRO Alex Weatherford during the annual Lao New Year Celebration.

Sheriff's deputies and SROs enjoyed the festivities while providing extra duty services at the celebration.

05/28/2026

Kindergarten student bonds with SRO

Sawyer Malone, 6, of Plainview Elementary School enjoys interacting with SRO Mick Rea.

His mom, Elizabeth, shared this photo of Sawyer and SRO Rea during kindergarten graduation at the school last week.

“Officer Rea is Sawyer’s favorite,” Elizabeth Malone said.

Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office SROs appreciate the bonds they form with students as part of their mission to keep students safe at school.

05/27/2026

Sheriff’s Office battles substance abuse with the Prevention Coalition for Success

Prevention Coalition for Success celebrated its 10th anniversary of service, impact and growth to prevent substance abuse in Rutherford County.

Over the past decade, Prevention Coalition for Success remained committed to strengthening lives, supporting mental wellness and preventing substance misuse throughout the county.

This milestone reflects lives touched and the commitment to the work ahead.

Prevention Coalition for Success aims to provide a healthier community for both the youth and adults of Rutherford County by reducing substance abuse.

They address factors that increase substance abuse and arm the community and partners with the knowledge and support to minimize substance abuse risks.

Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office partners with Prevention Coalition for Success by supporting rehabilitation and collecting unused medications during Drug Take Back Day.

Capt. J.D. Davis said the Sheriff’s office works with Prevention Coalition for Success staff.

“We knew there was an issue in the law enforcement side of the house that needed to be corrected other than just putting people in jail,” Davis said.

With Executive Director Sarah Murfree’s guidance and Program Director Erica Herndon, patrol deputies and Herndon traveled to homeless camps, motels and other places where people abused drugs.

The team offered rehabilitation services to help drug abusers break the habit. A grand provides transportation for people to and from rehabilitation.

About 11 deputies work on drug prevention. SRO Curtis Beane serves on the advisory board.

“We knew issues needed to be solved,” Davis said, adding the program is successful through partnerships.

05/26/2026

Food needed to feed hungry students during the summer

A desperate mother called Rutherford County Schools’ ATLAS program to request food for her two hungry children last week.

The mother developed cancer and lost her industry job and her home, said Jessica Johnson, ATLAS liaison Rutherford County Schools. She was evicted from her rental home last week.

“She’s never been homeless before,” Johnson said. “She doesn’t know how to navigate.”

The mother had not eaten in two days but used her little funding to feed her children.

ATLAS (Academic Time Leads to Achieving Students) is a program sponsored by Rutherford County Schools offering services for families who are considered homeless by sharing homes with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship.

The children may be living in campgrounds or motels, in shelters, in cars or in parks.

“Right now, we have more than 1,700 kids,” Johnson said.

The students receive food from the ATLAS program during the school year but still need food during the summer.

That’s why Lascassas Elementary School SRO Chad Dodson is spearheading “Operation Full Plate” to collect food for homeless students during the summer.

Dodson said rising 6th grade students enrolled in the annual SRO Jr. Deputy Academy next week and their parents are asked to bring food for the homeless students.

“The Jr Deputy Academy concept for this year is Learn - Lead – Serve,” Dodson said. “This year we have added a food drive called ‘Operation Full Plate.’ This will benefit ATLAS Students in the county. We want to encourage the kids to bring in items.”

Those donations alone can’t feed the 1,700 students who need food, he said.

Businesses, individuals, civic groups and churches are asked to make donations to help the children.

If you want to donate, you may bring food items to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office lobby by the flagpole.

Check the flyer for the foods the children can prepare in a motel room with a microwave or they can eat without warming.

Dodson thanks everyone in advance for their donations.

05/25/2026

Remembering military personnel who gave their lives for America

Memorial Day pays tribute to the men and women in the military who died in combat defending the United States.

Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh and the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office commemorate the fallen armed services members’ efforts and their sacrifices to preserve America’s freedoms.

We stand with their families who mourn their loss of lives.