NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Body-worn camera video shows a tense traffic stop between a Metro Nashville Police Department officer and a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper who was transporting Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton as part of a dignitary detail.
The Oct. 6 stop occurred on eastbound Briley Parkway near the Two Rivers Parkway exit, where an MNPD officer attempted to pull over an SUV traveling approximately 85 mph in a 55-mph zone, according to WKRN. The body camera footage from the encounter was released in December.
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The trooper, whose face was blurred in the released video due to his dignitary assignment, did not immediately stop despite the officer following the vehicle for several miles with emergency lights activated, WKRN reports. At one point, the SUV flashed blue lights back at the MNPD officer before the officer pulled alongside the vehicle and called out to the driver.
The trooper then exited the SUV and identified himself as a Tennessee Highway Patrol officer. Video shows a verbal exchange between the two officers that escalated into brief physical contact.
“You touch me again, I’m going to lock you up, my friend” the MNPD officer said during the encounter.
The trooper repeatedly identified himself as Highway Patrol and displayed his badge while Speaker Sexton remained inside the vehicle. At one point, the trooper told the officer he was transporting the House speaker as part of an official detail.
“I’ve got the Tennessee House Speaker in the car, and we’re moving,” the trooper said.
“No, you’re not. Let me see your ID,” the MNPD officer responded.
The encounter continued for several minutes before both officers identified themselves by name. The situation de-escalated after the trooper provided identification, and the two parted ways without further action.
Following the stop, MNPD confirmed that Sexton’s chief of staff, Kevin Johnson, filed a citizen complaint on the speaker’s behalf. Johnson was not present during the incident but said he had been briefed by Sexton, according to the complaint obtained by WKRN.
The complaint alleged the MNPD officer acted in an “out of control and unprofessional” manner, including chest-bumping the trooper, using profanity and physically blocking the vehicle from leaving.
An internal review conducted by an MNPD sergeant determined the officer’s actions were consistent with department policy.
“The evidence supports that Officer Johnson’s actions were reasonable, measured, and consistent with established MNPD policy, rules, and procedures,” the report stated. The complaint was classified as exonerated.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol issued a statement emphasizing its working relationship with MNPD but declined to comment on whether an internal review was conducted or whether speeding is customary during dignitary protection assignments.
“The Tennessee Highway Patrol maintains a collaborative working relationship with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department built on mutual respect and shared professionalism,” the statement said.
Sexton’s office criticized the MNPD officer’s actions, calling the stop unnecessary and dangerous given the security concerns involved in executive protection.
“There was no violation of traffic laws by the THP officer pursuant to state law,” the statement said, adding that the trooper identified himself and provided documentation multiple times during the stop.
“In the end, cooler heads prevailed,” the statement said. “We commend THP for their professionalism and dedication to protect and serve.”
