FRANKLIN, TN - On Friday, Franklin Police asked for the public’s help to identify a man who was accused of sexually groping a 14-year-old in the men’s restroom of the Williamson County AMC Thoroughbred 20 Cinema. Now, Franklin PD reports the suspect is now behind bars.  

27-Year-old Gabriel Ward of Columbia, Tennessee was charged with the Class-E Felony of Sexual Battery and is being held in the Williamson County Jail on the $20,000 bond set by the Magistrate. Authorities reported that Ward is a convicted felon and the alleged assault against the teen occurred when he was reportedly out of custody and on probation. During the tireless investigation, Franklin Detectives used information from citizen tips to help lead to Ward’s identification. 

“No one, especially one of our community’s kids, should be assaulted the way this teen was,” said Lt. Charlie Warner. “The victim, his parents, and our team are all relieved by the suspect’s quick identification and arrest. We’re beyond thankful for an engaged community who played a big part in helping to make that happen.” As of Thursday evening, Ward was still behind bars in the Williamson County Jail.

Source: Franklin Police Department

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