NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -
Police said an inmate managed to sneak a loaded gun into the Metro Jail, and now the police department is working to figure out how it happened and who is to blame.
Police originally arrested Eric Brooks for public intoxication and possession of marijuana. But the arresting officer had no idea the man was allegedly trying to sneak a gun into jail. In fact, the gun fell on the floor right in front of the booking judge, according to officials.
Police said Brooks was armed with a 9mm handgun loaded with four rounds, including one in the chamber.
"We are very concerned about a gun showing up at the door to the booking facility," said Metro police spokesman Don Aaron.
Officers undergo extensive training in searching prisoners and are supposed to do it every time they take someone into custody. But, Monday night, Brooks managed to carry the gun all the way to the booking room floor.
"I think what this does do, certainly in the immediate term, it reminds all officers to be diligent in the search process," Aaron said.
Police don't know what Brooks was planning to do with the weapon once he brought it into jail, but he is now facing additional charges for hiding it.
"This is not the first time this has happened, but we certainly would hope it would be the last," Aaron said.
As for the arresting officer, he will be facing tough questions as soon as he reports back to work.
"We need to determine what has taken place. I will tell you in prior circumstances if an officer has missed a weapon, if the search process wasn't as diligent as it should have been in the past, proper disciplinary action has been taken," Aaron said.
Brooks has been in trouble with the law before. He has two prior drug arrests and two other weapons charges, and an arrest for criminal trespassing.
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