CROSSVILLE WAFFLE HOUSE STOLEN, SUSPECT ATTACKED – 3B Media News

CROSSVILLE, Tenn. – On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at approximately 12:55 a.m. CST, Cumberland County 911 Dispatch received a call regarding a theft in progress at the Waffle House, 48 Executive Dr., Crossville, Tennessee.

When police arrived, it was discovered that a male suspect had entered the restaurant armed with a folding knife, assaulted 2 employees by hitting them and fled with $388 in cash, direction of the woods behind the Marathon gas. station. A call was received from the Red Roof Inn indicating the suspect may be in that building.

The suspect was found hiding in the hotel’s attic, which he accessed through a laundry room door. Once located, the suspect began throwing money at the officers, refusing to comply with their orders. Less lethal options, including pepper spray, bean bags and a Taser, were used to extract the suspect from the attic. After breaking through the ceiling of three separate hotel rooms, the suspect was taken into custody and $381 was recovered. Damage to hotel rooms is estimated at $30,000.

The suspect was identified as Jonathan William Beard, 31, of Harriman, Tennessee. Beard was charged with grand larceny, burglary, 2 counts of aggravated assault, and 4 counts of vandalism.

The Crossville Police Department would like to thank members of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Highway Patrol for their assistance in this investigation.

Please contact the Crossville Police Department at 931-484-7231 with any information regarding this incident.