Murfreesboro man faces multiple charges after threatening multiple people with AR-style rifle

A Murfreesboro man is facing multiple charges after allegedly threatening three people with an AR-style rifle while attempting to rob them on Saturday, Aug. 22. The use of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology was crucial in identifying the suspect.

Officers were called to the 1400 block of Benley Street on Saturday after a man, later identified as Jordan Blanford, armed with an AR-style rifle, allegedly entered a home and demanded property from a resident. A one-year-old child was inside the home at the time. It was determined that Blanford believed a former tenant who allegedly had been involved in drug sales still lived there.

Blanford also allegedly pointed the rifle at another man outside the residence as well as at a driver at the intersection of Northfield Boulevard and Memorial Boulevard. No injuries were reported. He was identified with the help of MPD’s Real Time Crime Center’s license plate reader technology and surveillance video after a witness described the white SUV he was driving.

A short time later, the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) responded to Interstate 840 and Interstate 24 for an overdose call involving Blanford. Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services and Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) arrived and placed him on a gurney for medical treatment; he tore off the restraints. Blanford then stole a THP cruiser and sped away from RCSO deputies at speeds exceeding 100 mph, according to an arrest affidavit. He eventually wrecked on I-24, and authorities found narcotics in his possession during his arrest.

Detectives obtained warrants charging Blanford with two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of attempted aggravated robbery, and aggravated burglary. Additional charges are possible. He was taken into custody on I-24 by THP officers and RCSO deputies. His combined bond on the MPD and THP charges is $363,000. The investigation remains open.