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Incident Overview
In a surprising turn of events, three men were apprehended by Nashville police after a vigilant citizen reported their suspicious activity atop the AT&T Building, famously known as the “Batman Building” due to its unique architectural design. The incident unfolded on a Sunday afternoon, just before 5 p.m., when a witness, enjoying a day out at Garth Brooks’ bar, noticed the trio on the skyscraper’s tower.
The caller expressed concern, stating, “They don’t look like they’re supposed to be there. And it’s a Sunday. So I can’t imagine they’re working. But it looks very strange.” This alertness proved crucial in ensuring the safety of the city.
Police Response and Search
Upon receiving the call, police officers quickly mobilized, utilizing binoculars to confirm the presence of the men on the building. The situation escalated as officers entered the AT&T Building, searching for the trespassers. Despite their efforts, including a thorough search from floor to floor, the men were not immediately located.
The search took an unexpected turn when officers discovered the trio hiding in a locked bathroom stall on the 24th floor. This unusual hiding spot raised eyebrows and highlighted the lengths to which the men went to evade capture.
Charges and Consequences
Identified as Jacob Thomas Cieszynski, Chase Cooper Lester, and Ryan James McGarrity, the three men now face serious legal repercussions, including charges of aggravated trespassing and disorderly conduct. Notably, Lester was also charged with possessing burglary tools after a crowbar and screwdriver were found in his backpack.
The police also confiscated several cameras, including a GoPro, suggesting that the men may have intended to document their escapade. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance, as emphasized by Nashville Metropolitan Police Public Affairs Director Don Aaron, who stated, “This case is a prime example of an alert citizen seeing something suspicious and saying something to authorities.
We all benefit by each other’s vigilance.”
