Fugitives offered second chance on Friday, Saturday

Fugitives wanted for non-violent crimes in Davidson County can come to church, confess their transgressions and receive a chance at the straight and narrow Friday and Saturday, but this specific “one-time” offer isn’t coming from the Almighty.

The Nashville justice system and community leaders have teamed up for a two-day Fugitive Safe Surrender event from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church at 2021 Herman Street.

Police have said that non-violent offenders who come to the church and accept responsibility for their unlawful actions will receive “favorable consideration for surrendering” and may be able to go home on the same day. Those who come to the church to confess will also be able to speak with an attorney and appear before a Criminal or General Sessions Court judge who will be present at the church.

Members of the justice system participating in the event include Criminal Judge Steve Dozier, General Sessions Judge Rachel Bell, Sheriff Daron Hall, District Attorney Glenn Funk, Public Defender Dawn Deaner and Criminal Court Clerk Howard Gentry.

“There are no religious requirements,” police said in a statement Thursday.

“It is very important that Nashville’s citizens understand that this is a genuine special one-time opportunity for wanted persons to stop looking over their shoulders and clear up outstanding arrest warrants,” Chief Steve Anderson said in a statement. “This is not a gimmick or a trick.”

People who surrender on one of the days will receive a $10 MAPCO gas card to help with the transportation expense, and the church is also accessible by the Metro Transit Authority bus system. People with questions about their wanted status or who want more information can call 615-256-SAFE.

Police said the initiative is the product of several weeks of planning that will turn the Galilee Church into a courtroom and offices for attorneys and clerks, with 100 community volunteers on hand to help.

The Sheriff’s Mobile Booking Unit will process people surrendering before they appear in a makeshift courtroom.

“I am proud to be able to extend a welcoming hand to persons coming to this church on September 18th and 19th who want to make life better for themselves and their families,” said Rev. William Harris of Galilee Church, who police said was among community leaders who asked for the Fugitive Safe Surrender program this year.

Nashville hosted a similar four-day Fugitive Safe Surrender Program eight years ago, advocated by the U.S. Marshal’s Service, where 561 people peacefully surrendered. Police said only seven percent of those who surrendered were taken to jail due the seriousness of their charges.

Metro Police are also partnering with MAPCO and Crime Stoppers to allow people to exchange unwanted “real” firearms for a $50 MAPCO gift card.

“Officers will be on hand to receive the weapons, no questions asked,” police said. “The police department strongly urges parents, grandparents and other family members to check homes for unused, unwanted or inoperable firearms and help prevent them from falling into the hands of young people by exchanging them for gift cards on September 19.”

The gun exchange will last from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church on Saturday. A special collection box will also be on site for people to dispose of their outdated or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medication.