NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A registered sex offender who was released from prison this week is now back behind bars, accused of attacking two women in downtown Nashville.
Police say Deontez Drew was released from a facility in Hardeman County Wednesday.
Less than a day later, Drew found his way to Nashville and police say he attacked a 23-year-old woman who was walking to her apartment around 3 a.m. Thursday. Police say she was able to get away from him after she was held at knifepoint.
Later that day, police say Drew attacked another woman at Pine Street Flats. He was lingering in the hallway near her apartment, posing as an UberEats delivery driver. The woman went to report him to management, and when she got back on the elevator, Drew was waiting with a wooden baseball bat. Police say he hit her twice, in the face and back of the head.
Other apartment residents heard screaming, came out, and saw Drew running away. One of the residents chased after him and kept him in sight for police. Drew hid under a car near Laurel Street and 11th Avenue South and was later arrested.
"Thank God," said Gulch resident Wendy Wiemers when she heard about his arrest. "We've gotta keep people locked up that are going to commit crimes."
She added that she is often walking around on her own and may be more cautious moving forward.
"You move to areas like this because you feel like you're going to be safe," she explained. "I think you just have to pay attention to see if people are following you."
The woman was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Drew is facing multiple charges in both cases including aggravated rape, robbery, and criminal homicide.
Fostering Hope provides Christmas for kids in foster care. I'm delighted to see Fostering Hope expand this year to expand their reach to now include kids in Foster care in metro AND foster kids in East TN hard hit by Helene.
-Bree Smith
