Metro police are setting up mobile video cameras andbeefing up patrols in an East Nashville public housing developmentafter two officers were attacked and seriously injuredin less than a 24-hour period while trying to help residents in the low-income neighborhood,the department's top police official said Wednesday.
"I want to be clear that Officer Josh Hausman on Monday nightand Officer Matthew Cammarn last night had come to that neighborhood to protect citizens from harm and were themselves attacked," Nashville police Chief Steve Anderson said, referencing James Cayce's crime-ladencommunityon South Seventh Street. "Attacks on police officers are absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated by this city. Thankfully, Officers Hausman and Cammarn are going to be OK."
Cammarn, an East Precinct police officer,was attacked about 6 p.m. Tuesdayas he attempted to arrest a man whom the officer saw assault a woman in the neighborhood that consists of 716 families and 1,900 residents. Hewas released from Vanderbilt University Medical Center after treatment for a concussion and will remain on medical leave for several days.
Hausman, a Central Precinct police officerwho was stabbed in the right hand around 9 p.m. Monday while trying to break up afight between two women over men, also remained on medical leave Wednesday. Police spokesman Don Aaron said Hausman, a three-year department veteran,may be out on medical leave for some time because he had to get stitches for his wound.
Mayor Megan Barry, who joined the chief in denouncingviolence against police during a news conference Wednesday, said she'd spoken with both officers since their respective assaults and that both were in good spirits.
"Attacks on our police officers are outrageous and completely unacceptable," Barrysaid, notinganyone who is violent toward the city's police officers will be punished to the full extent of the law."Our officers put their lives on the line to promote safety and well-being of our citizens.In order to quell further acts of violence, the East Precinct will have an increased presence in the area, and they are working to engage community and faith leaders to work with residents and their guests to resolve disputes."
Anderson said the department has asked local members of the faith-based community to establish a presence in the area to reduce tensions.
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In addition, he said, over the next several daysEast Precinct Flex Officers from all three shifts will be assigned to the neighborhood, and a crime reduction initiative, staffed by extra duty officers being paid overtime, is also being implemented there.
A task force consisting of five police officers and one sergeant all specifically assigned to public housing communities will also work exclusively in Cayce Homes until further notice.
The department also planned to install mobile camera systems in the area Wednesday, Anderson said,with one deployed to the specific area where the officers were assaulted.
Officers will also patrol the area in pairs in an effort to not only increase their safety, but also the community's, Anderson said.
Police saidCammarn was named the 2015 Police Officer of the Year for saving the life of a 17-year-old gunshot victim on North Eighth Street.
His attack, recorded by someone in the public housing development,has gone viral.
Before he was assaulted, policesay,Cammarn saw22-year-old Brian Shannonassaulta woman, and when the officer tried to help her,Shannon walked up to Cammarn aggressively.
When Cammarn told Shannon to put his hands behind his back, Shannon pulled away, grabbed Cammarn and pulled him to the ground.
"While actively fighting and swinging his fists at Officer Cammarn on the ground, other persons in a crowd pulled and pushed Cammarn in an effort to free Shannon," police said. "Others stood by recording the assault on their cellphones."
Shannonof Meridian Streetranto South Sixth Street, where he was eventually arrested.
On Wednesday the chief commendedCammarn for not drawing his weapon during the attack.
"Even after he was assaulted and in great pain, he chased down that suspect," Anderson said, chalking up the move to the department's training.
According to a police affidavit, during a search of Shannon's pockets, officers foundprescription Xanax bars in a plastic bag. The affidavit also statesShannon does not live in the area, and there is a no trespassing waiver on file withpolice for the public housing development.
Shannon wasjailed on charges of felony aggravated assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, evading arrest, criminal trespassing, disorderly conduct and drug possession, police said.Court records show Shannon has a lengthy criminal history that includes drug, illegalweapon possessionand trespassing convictions.
A 17-year-old wasalso charged with aggravated assault on Officer Cammarn and evading arrest, andis being held in juvenile detention
Police on Wednesday asked the public for help in identifying others involved in the attack, addingother arrests are possible.
Anyone with informationis asked to callpolice at 615-862-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.
Police ask for help to identify man who attacked officer
Reach Natalie Neysa Alund at 615-259-8072. Follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.Reporter Jordan Buie can be reached at 615-726-5970 or on Twitter @jordanbuie.
