NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A correctional officer has been placed on administrative leave after allegedly leaving a loaded handgun in a restroom at Meharry Medical College’s School of Dentistry while assisting with a prison transport.
The incident occurred around 3 p.m. on April 22 during a medical transport from Trousdale Turner Correctional Center, WKRN reports. The officer was escorting an inmate to the Nashville dental school when he reportedly left his service weapon in a campus restroom. When he returned to retrieve it, the firearm was no longer there.
A spokesperson for CoreCivic, the private company that operates the facility, confirmed to WKRN that Meharry’s campus safety officials were immediately notified. The building was evacuated and searched, but the handgun was not recovered.
Officials from Meharry Medical College said in a letter to students and staff that they are cooperating with Metro Nashville police as the investigation continues.
CoreCivic said that the officer has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
