NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Nashville Electric Service lineworkers faced an unexpected setback Friday morning when thieves broke into their personal vehicles while the crews worked around the clock to restore power after this week's winter storm.
Metro Police say 11 personal vehicles belonging to NES workers were broken into while parked at NES headquarters on 12th Avenue North. The vehicles are believed to belong to line crews who have been working 14- to 16-hour shifts since Sunday to restore power to tens of thousands of customers left in the dark.
"Unfortunately, we do have employees that have received threats of violence, and we also had some of our employee vehicles broken into this morning on our property," an NES representative said.
The break-ins resulted in shattered glass and smashed windows. Police say three pistols were taken from the vehicles.
Metro Police Public Affairs Director Don Aaron confirmed the vehicles belonged to line crews.
"Yes, we believe so, yes," Aaron said.
The break-ins come as more than 1,100 NES workers are currently in the field, with another 150 crews on the way. Many of these workers are restoring power for others while their own homes remain without electricity.
Hours later, the police made an arrest. The 18-year-old suspect, Camron Franklin, is also suspected of a series of auto thefts and vehicle burglaries at Nashville hotels. Guns, at least 3 of them stolen, window-breaking tools, vehicle programmers, and key fobs were among the items recovered during the execution of a search warrant at Franklin's Rosa L. Parks Blvd home.
He will be booked on multiple charges.
Police say security measures are being implemented to protect the workers going forward.
The increased security is already visible, with officers stepping up patrols and installing temporary cameras where crews are parking.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
During a week when it seems that frustration is the prevailing sentiment felt across middle Tennessee amid ongoing power outages, Forrest Sanders brings us a story of love, faithfulness and a remarkable family... plus, a little humor on the side. Enjoy!
- Carrie Sharp
