Police patrols increased after Centennial Park armed robbery
Metro Parks Police said officers have increased patrols in the area after this incident.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A man was arrested after a scene in Centennial Park. Metro Police said a man was robbed at gunpoint in broad daylight on Tuesday afternoon.
The suspect, identified as Kenya Lewis, held a gun to the man’s chest, hit him in the head and knocked him to the ground, police said. Lewis then stole cash out of the victim’s pockets as he lay in the park.
Every morning Michelle Liggett takes her great-granddaughter to the Centennial Park playground near where the robbery happened. She said the area keeps getting more dangerous, and she was devastated to hear someone was robbed at gunpoint.
“I’m old, so I can’t start running if they start shooting,” Liggett said. “I can’t grab my baby and take off running. It’s very concerning, very concerning.”
Police said Lewis was captured on security camera after the robbery going into his apartment at the Parthenon Towers right next to the park on 28th Ave. North. They used a search warrant to get into the unit and found Lewis with clothes matching the description of the suspect and the stolen money.
READ MORE: Man robbed at gunpoint in Centennial Park, told ‘give me everything you’ve got’
Dymonde Gilyard, who lives in the building near Lewis, said people hanging out around their apartment building causes problems in the busy park.
Police records obtained by WSMV show officers have been called to Parthenon Towers 385 times over the past six months, including multiple thefts, fights and people with weapons.
“Very concerning because the crime levels have really escalated up here,” Gilyard said. “I pray that the police get this area together because we are across the street from a park where kids play. That’s dangerous.”
Gilyard said she was glad Lewis was arrested before any other runners could be hurt.
Rachel Lavery said she only runs with one earbud in and tries to pay attention to her surroundings. She doesn’t think more police in the area would make a major difference because the park is so big.
Metro Parks Police said officers have increased patrols in the area after this incident.
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