Suspect apprehended after deadly shooting at Mt. Juliet marina

WILSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — A 40-year-old man has been taken into custody in connection with the death of an innocent bystander during an armed robbery at a Wilson County marina last month.

Two restaurant employees were injured and a bystander was shot and killed in the adjacent parking lot of Cedar Creek Marina on Saturday, June 29.

Investigators with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office said a “cold-blooded murder” unfolded in the parking lot of the Cedar Creek Marina and Restaurant off Saundersville Road around midnight.

Deputies were called to investigate shots fired when they found a 27-year-old man dead from a gunshot wound in his car in the parking lot. They soon determined the shooting followed an armed robbery at the marina’s restaurant.

The bystander appeared to be a boater. At the request of the family, Wilson County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Scott Moore initially did not release the name of the victim. He has since been identified as Bailey Gardner, of Kansas.

The owner of the restaurant said they were closing up for the night and employees were counting money in an office when hooded robbers got inside, pistol-whipped two of the employees and forced them to open the safe. The employees were treated for injuries and released at the scene.

The proprietor of Scoreboard Cedar Creek , Barrett Hobbs, released a statement on Facebook thanking law enforcement for their continued efforts. He also said, “This was a targeted hit from an outside crime ring and it is concerning that gang activity like this is attacking our safe, family friendly business.”

However, the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office would not confirm if anyone involved in this case was part of a gang.

Authorities were reportedly searching for as many as three suspects.

Adrian Alex McLean was apprehended Wednesday morning in Nashville with the assistance of the Metro Nashville Police Department’s S.W.A.T. and Homicide units, following a joint investigation by the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office and the Mt. Juliet Police Department, according to a release.

Moore said a crime like this can happen anywhere.

“Do we think that we have a problem here? No,” Moore explained. “This was an isolated incident, but as businesses and people who close late at night, it’s very good to have that surveillance system there.”

Moore told News 2 the restaurant’s surveillance video has aided in their investigation.

McLean was charged with one count of first-degree murder and three counts of aggravated robbery. Investigators are currently working with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement as McLean’s temporary citizenship has expired, with officials saying McLean is from Jamaica.

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The Mt. Juliet Police Department is investigating the restaurant robbery, which falls within city limits, and the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the deadly shooting in the parking lot, which took place on county property. Moore said the two agencies are working diligently together along with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).

“Today, we took a significant step forward in our pursuit of justice for the victims of the tragic incident at Cedar Creek Marina. The tireless efforts of our detectives, in collaboration with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, have led to the apprehension of a suspect in this case. This arrest is a testament to the determination and teamwork of all involved, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to bringing those responsible for this senseless crime to justice. We extend our deepest condolences to Bailey Gardner’s family and friends, and we remain steadfast in our mission to ensure the safety and security of all those in our community.”

Chief Michael Mullins, MJPD

“The arrest today is the product of diligent cooperative police work by the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, the Mt. Juliet Police Department, Metro-Nashville Police Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The dedication of time and resources to this investigation by these agencies as well as the skillfulness of their investigators is a credit to law enforcement in the pursuit of justice.”

Jason L. Lawson, District Attorney General, 15th Judicial District

No additional information was immediately released.

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