‘Most Wanted’ fugitive arrested after chase on Belmont University campus

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The apprehension of one of Nashville’s “Most Wanted” fugitives led to a large police presence at Belmont University Monday night.

At around 7:35 p.m. on Monday, July 1, officials said 23-year-old Elijah Maitland ran onto the Belmont University campus while reportedly fleeing from police.

Earlier that night, officers had been dispatched to a home on Blair Boulevard for a 911 call regarding a domestic dispute. The victim told police her ex-boyfriend had come to her door knocking.

The interaction was reportedly captured on ring doorbell footage, which showed the man to be one of the Metro Nashville Police Department’s “Top 10 Most Wanted” fugitives.

Officers said they were able to verify that Maitland had five outstanding warrants for aggravated burglary, false imprisonment, domestic assault and two counts of interference with an emergency call.

However, by the time police arrived at the Blair Boulevard home, Maitland was gone. The woman told authorities Maitland had no means of transportation, indicating that he had likely left the area on foot.

Investigators began searching the area for Maitland and later found him walking near Belmont University’s campus. After seeing a marked patrol vehicle, police said Maitland ran into a tree line on the campus, where they lost sight of him for a short time.

With help from Belmont Security, who was operating cameras, officers eventually found Maitland hiding in a bush. He was taken into custody for his outstanding warrants and one additional charge for evading arrest.

According to police, Maitland didn’t appear to have contact with any Belmont students, faculty or visitors, and did not try to gain entry to any buildings on the campus.

His previous charges stem from another domestic-related incident in which he allegedly broke into his ex-girlfriend’s home through a window and refused to leave. In an arrest affidavit, officials said Maitland tried to prevent the victim from calling 911 multiple times, at one point, grabbing a knife from her and slicing his own hand.

Belmont University sent out a statement to students and faculty following Maitland’s arrest Monday night. The full statement is below.

At around 7:35 pm a suspect was fleeing from MNPD and ran onto campus. The suspect was quickly apprehended around the Bell Tower area with the help of Belmont Security. You will see a larger than normal police presence on campus through this evening, but there is no ongoing threat to the campus community.

Belmont University

Records show Maitland was booked into jail around 8:51 p.m. Monday night. As of Tuesday, July 2, he was still behind bars with a $10,500 bond. He is now among at least 120 “Most Wanted” fugitives who have been taken into custody since the program was launched in October 2022.

Investigators have largely attributed the program’s success to tips they’ve received from the public. To view the latest list of Nashville’s “Most Wanted” fugitives, click here .

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