safety
Murfreesboro police officer credits crisis training in reuniting autistic child with family
By Audrey Mayer at WKRN News 2 (ABC affiliate)
· July 9, 2026
· 1 min read
What started as a 911 call ended in a display of patience and compassion when a Murfreesboro police officer returned a young boy with autism back to his mother.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The successful reunion of the autistic child with his mother is a testament to the value of crisis training for local law enforcement. In a city like Nashville , where community policing and public safety are top priorities, such training can be a crucial factor in de-escalating potentially volatile situations. The fact that a Murfreesboro police officer was able to respond with patience and compassion in this instance suggests that investments in crisis training are yielding positive results. As Nashville's own police department continues to develop its community policing strategies, the success of this reunion may serve as a model for how to effectively respond to calls involving individuals with autism or other special needs. The key will be to ensure that all officers receive the training and support they need to handle these complex situations with sensitivity and care.
About this story
Original reporting by WKRN News 2 (ABC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WKRN News 2 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: WKRN News 2 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? What started as a 911 call ended in a display of patience and compassion when a Murfreesboro police officer returned a young boy with autism back to his mother.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by WKRN News 2 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Audrey Mayer at WKRN News 2 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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