Suspect charged in domestic assault

A woman escaped serious injury when a male friend allegedly assaulted her, then shot her cellphone and home door locks in a domestic dispute early Tuesday, Rutherford County Sheriff’s deputies reported.

Suspect Thaddeus James Lee, 29, of Airview Drive in Smyrna was charged with aggravated domestic assault, reckless endangerment by discharging a firearm into an occupied home and interfering with making a 911 call, reported arresting Deputy Christina Bolton.

Shawn Renee Fernandez of Fosterville Road called 911 about 2:15 to report Lee grabbed her by the throat and pushed her down, the deputy reported. She attempted to fight back but he grabbed her hair and dragged her into the kitchen. She left the home.

When she returned about 30 minutes later, Lee’s car was gone so she went inside. He returned and allegedly fired rounds into the deadbolt lock and door knob before entering the house to gather his belongings. He shot her cell phone and apparently took her dog and wallet.

Sgt. Nick Coble reported deputies learned Lee, who was heavily armed, made threats to law enforcement officers.

Deputies set up a perimeter near the home while the Emergency Medical Services’ Special Operations Response Team used a drone to search for Lee and his vehicle. The Tennessee Highway Patrol’s helicopter pilot searched the area and found Lee’s truck parked near Fernandez’s home.

K-9 Sgt. Lee Young saw Lee driving a few hours later and called for backup. Rutherford County and Bedford County Sheriff’s deputies took Lee into custody.

Detective Patty Oeser reported Fernandez’s dog was returned home.

Lee was charged and booked into Rutherford County Adult Detention Center where he is being held.