NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Metro Nashville Police Department arrested a man who was allegedly rummaging through a neighborhood ravaged by the deadly tornado.
Joshua Davis was taken into custody late Sunday night after he was stopped by Barclay Drive and Lazenby Drive near Shelby Park in East Nashville. An arrest affidavit said he was the passenger in a truck driving suspiciously and stopping at different locations while the power was out and debris covering the road.
Police said both the driver and Davis admitted they don't live in the area and were driving around "collecting items" including a mattress found in the bed of the truck with other items.
Davis is accused of giving a fake social security number and carrying methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He was stopped while his two young children were in the back seat. Davis faced several charges including disorderly conduct, child endangerment and criminal impersonation.
Neighbors who live near the area were shocked to learn about the allegations since they have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community.
An MNPD spokesperson said they're not aware of any widespread thefts related to the tornado. While there's technically not a looting category, anecdotally, there have been very few reports of such thefts, according to police.
On the day of the tornado, the owner of the Soda Parlor at the Five Points area posted on social media how the business was looted.
In Putnam County, where 18 people died, the sheriff's office arrested Joshua Hayes who allegedly stole copper wiring from a home on Clemmons Road after the tornado.
Officials with the Lebanon and Mount Juliet police departments said they haven't received reports of looting in their city.
Editor's note: A previous version of this story said the suspect had been accused of "looting." Metro police later clarified, saying the alleged incident did not meet the criteria for looting. The story has been updated.
