safety
Murfreesboro sergeant behind viral Target bodycam video shares what happened during the call
By Lydia Fielder at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 9, 2026
· 3 min read
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WSMV) - A Murfreesboro police sergeant’s bodycam video showing him buying toys for a non-verbal boy with autism who wandered into a Target store has drawn tens of thousands of views online.Sgt. Travis Henderson, a 20-year veteran of the Murfreesboro Police Department, respond...
Key takeaway Travis Henderson, a 20-year veteran of the Murfreesboro Police Department, responded after a bystander called police when she saw the boy running across the street and into the store’s toy section.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The viral video of Sgt. Travis Henderson's compassionate response to a non-verbal boy with autism who wandered into a Target store highlights the importance of crisis intervention training for local law enforcement. In Nashville and surrounding areas like Murfreesboro, such training can be crucial in de-escalating situations involving vulnerable populations. Henderson's actions demonstrate how this training can shape an officer's approach, prioritizing empathy and understanding over escalation. As Nashville continues to grow and diversify, it's essential that local law enforcement agencies prioritize crisis intervention training to ensure officers are equipped to respond effectively to a wide range of situations. The fact that Henderson's response was guided by his training, rather than instinct or intuition, underscores the value of investing in such programs. By supporting crisis intervention training, Nashville can work towards creating a safer, more compassionate community for all residents.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC 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 WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WSMV) - A Murfreesboro police sergeant’s bodycam video showing him buying toys for a non-verbal boy with autism who wandered into a Target store has drawn tens of thousands of views online.Sgt. Travis Henderson, a 20-year veteran of the Murfreesboro Police Department, respond...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Lydia Fielder at WSMV 4 News (NBC 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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