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Standoff Ends in Fugitive's Death: Unraveling the Events in South Nashville
2025-03-04

The Metro Nashville Police Department has provided new details about a tense standoff that occurred on Tuesday morning at a residence in South Nashville. The incident culminated in the death of a fugitive, Myles Owens V, who was found deceased inside the property. Authorities also discovered significant quantities of illegal substances and firearms during their operation. Additionally, another individual with outstanding warrants was apprehended at the scene. This event highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and criminal activities in the area.

Details of the Standoff and Fugitive's Demise

The tragic conclusion of the confrontation involved 30-year-old Myles Owens V, who was found dead within the premises on Benn Hill Drive. Reports indicate that an FBI SWAT team entered the home following repeated calls for Owens to surrender. They discovered him inside a stolen sedan in the garage, suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A firearm was recovered near his body. Owens was subsequently transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Myles Owens V had been evading authorities for several months, wanted on federal charges including possession of an unregistered firearm, involvement in drug trafficking, and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute. He also faced numerous failure-to-appear charges in Davidson and Williamson Counties. Prior to this incident, detectives executed a search warrant at Extra Space Storage on Charlotte Pike, recovering over 100 pounds of marijuana, multiple firearms, illegal modifications, cash, and various narcotics. The recent raid at Benn Hill Drive yielded additional evidence, including 70 pounds of marijuana, nearly $50,000 in cash, jewelry, and two firearms.

Capture of an Associate and Discovery of Illicit Items

During the search operation, officers encountered Kenneth Strickland Jr., a known associate of Owens, who approached the scene. Strickland was under investigation for identity theft and was promptly taken into custody. Upon arrest, police found an aftermarket key fob on him, which led to the discovery of a nearby stolen Infiniti Q60. Inside the vehicle, detectives uncovered two counterfeit driver’s licenses bearing Strickland's image but using different names, one from Texas and another from New Jersey.

Kenneth Strickland Jr., aged 31, was charged with motor vehicle theft, driving on a suspended license, and two counts of identity theft. He is currently being held on a bond of $40,500. This arrest underscores the interconnected nature of criminal networks and the vigilance required by law enforcement to dismantle such operations. The events in South Nashville serve as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in addressing drug-related crimes and the importance of thorough investigative work.

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