86 fugitives turn themselves in at Nashville church

Metro police called their Fugitive Safe Surrender event an "overwhelming success" after 86 wanted people voluntarily turned themselves in to police at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church over the course of two days.

The 86 people who surrendered were named in a total of 133 outstanding warrants, according to a news release. Only five had to be detained: three for outstanding warrants in other counties, one on a felony drug conspiracy indictment and another for domestic assault.

A total of 123 people came in during the Friday and Saturday event to be checked for outstanding warrants.

Fugitives offered second chance on Friday, Saturday

“Safe Surrender would not have been possible without the mutual support and trust between the police department and Nashville’s clergy,” Chief Steve Anderson said.

“In fact, it was Reverends Michael Joyner and William Harris who asked us to pull this program together after an eight year absence.  I am gratified that the community recognized this was a special opportunity for wanted persons to clear up outstanding warrants and stop looking over their shoulders for the benefit of themselves and their families.”

About 100 volunteers assisted in transforming the church at 2021 Herman Street into a courthouse with three courtrooms and offices for the district attorney and public defender.

In addition, a total of 61 firearms were turned in as part of a Gift Cards for Guns initiative at the church. People received $50 MAPCO gift cards in exchange for unwanted firearms.