Members of the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) said that a man at the 3700 block of Gallatin Pike used a firearm Tuesday to prevent someone else from stealing his vehicle.

MNPD officials said in a press release this week that the alleged thief, Jaden Webb, 20, of Clarksville tried to steal a vehicle outside of a convenience store.

“The 28-year-old victim came out of the market at 9:45 p.m. Tuesday to find Webb sitting in the driver seat. The victim confronted Webb, who accelerated and tried to flee, dragging the victim who was hanging onto the driver door. Webb crashed into an SUV (also stolen) in which he had arrived. Another occupant of the SUV kicked the victim as he pulled a gun to take Webb into custody,” according to the MNPD press release.

“The victim fired at the second man as he fled on foot while continuing to hold Webb for police. Detectives from the precision policing robbery initiative quickly responded. As they approached after having the victim drop his gun, Webb tried to flee, but was immediately apprehended.”

MNPD officials said in the press release that Webb is jailed on charges of auto theft, aggravated assault, possession of burglary tools, evading arrest and resisting arrest. A judicial commissioner set his bond at $40,000.

In a separate press release this week, MNPD officials said Nashvillians must lock their automobile doors, secure any valuables — especially guns — and remove the keys.

“So far this year, 974 guns have been stolen from vehicles in Nashville. More than 70 percent of ALL guns reported stolen in 2021 (1,369) were taken from vehicles. Last week, 23 guns were stolen from cars and trucks,” according to the press release.

“Going hand in hand with vehicle burglaries is vehicle theft. A review of last week’s stolen vehicle reports in Nashville shows that 69 percent of the automobiles taken (37 of 54) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Two of the 54 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present. Just like guns taken from vehicles, these stolen autos are also routinely involved in criminal activities, including car jackings and robberies.”

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Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected].