Wilson County deputies arrested four juveniles after they escaped from the Lebanon Academy juvenile center and broke into a home, assaulting the homeowners.
The four juveniles escaped from the facility, Lebanon Academy, on Murfreesboro Road. Officials said they then forced their way into a home off of Chicken Road Monday night.
According to its website, the facility serves adolescent males ages 12-17 with moderate to severe trauma and mental health-related behaviors and challenges.
Officials with the Wilson County Sheriff's Office told NewsChannel5 the center can sometimes be on full lockdown depending on the nature of the charges or the natures of the reason why the juvenile is in court.
The escaped juveniles allegedly took the homeowners gun away from him while hitting him and his wife in the head on several occasions before leaving the home.
"The homeowner tried to talk the juveniles down to try to deescalate the situation. The wife was able to call 911 and when that occurred, the juveniles had fled the residence on foot," Lt. Scott Moore with the Wilson County Sheriff's Office told NewsChannel 5.
Deputies, Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers and the THP Helicopter searched the area but never made contact with the suspects.
They were eventually found Tuesday morning in an abandoned home where they had barricaded themselves inside. The property was just down the road from the home of the victims.
Deputies and members of the Special Response Team were able to talk the juveniles into coming out of the residence without incident.
“I have some concerns and questions with the level of offender that is being housed at the facility. I’ve met with the facility manager and requested a meeting with their upper level management,” stated Sheriff Robert Bryan. “Citizens shouldn’t feel terrorized in their homes or in their community by the past actions taken from these juveniles who have escaped this facility. Lebanon Academy is in full cooperation in trying to get these issues resolved.”
The juveniles were facing numerous charges as the investigation continued.
They were held at the Rutherford County Juvenile Detention Center pending a court date.
Officials with the Lebanon Academy released the following statement:
“On Sunday evening, we had four youth leave our Lebanon Academy facility. Ranging in age from 14 to 16, the youth were under the supervision of staff when they ran from the facility. The next evening, the youth forced their way into the home of a Lebanon couple. Fortunately, the youth were apprehended shortly after this incident.”
“Lebanon Academy takes security very seriously. Our priority is to ensure a safe environment for both the children in our care, as well as the community we serve. We are actively working with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Department and the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services, as well as reviewing protocols to determine if further action is needed on the facility level. We are grateful for the quick response from Sheriff Bryan and the Wilson County Sheriff Department and look forward to working closely with the agency going forward.”
“We deeply regret the actions of these four adolescents. We are absolutely committed to operating an exceptional program in Lebanon that makes a positive impact on the lives of the children and families we serve, and to being a great community partner and neighbor.”
“Part of the Omni Academies system, Lebanon Academy provides residential treatment to adolescent males ages 12 to 17 who have mental health needs requiring temporary care in a structured therapeutic setting. Our goal is to treat, heal and release youth to less-restrictive community environments where they can lead healthy, productive lives.”
