Decommissioned MNPD sergeant charged with aggravated assault after driving through construction zone
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – A decommissioned sergeant with the Metro Nashville Police Department surrendered Wednesday on aggravated assault charges after he allegedly drove into a closed construction zone on I-40 and got into an argument with workers.
The MNPD said Sgt. Donald Barnes, 53, was off-duty and driving his personal SUV on I-40 East near the Donelson Pike exit at around 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 7, when he drove into a closed construction zone despite visible traffic cones and barrels.
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The construction workers told investigators they waved their arms to try and get the driver’s attention and direct him back to the open lanes of interstate. Barnes, however, is believed to have continued driving forward before stopping with construction workers in front of him, according to authorities.
Police said Barnes and one of the workers got into an argument before Barnes allegedly lunged his vehicle forward twice, making contact with one of the workers both times. During the incident, Barnes identified himself as an MNPD officer.
Workers told investigators they saw Barnes holding a pistol across his stomach, pointed at the driver’s door where one of the workers was standing on the outside. The workers eventually moved away from the SUV and Barnes drove through the rest of the construction zone and onto Donelson Pike, according to investigators.
The MNPD said the workers recorded Barnes’ license plate number, which was reported to the police department.
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Barnes, a 26-year veteran of the police force, was decommissioned Friday, March 8, and an investigation began. He had been assigned to West Precinct patrol, according to officials.
He has been charged with two counts of felony aggravated assault.
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