Holidaying Ashford Police Sergeant Saves U.S. Cop During Violent Roadside Struggle

NASHVILLE, TN – An off-duty police sergeant from Ashford is being hailed a hero after intervening in a life-threatening assault on a local officer just moments after starting his holiday in the United States.

PS Taylor Johanson, of Kent Police’s Community Safety Unit, had just left Nashville International Airport at approximately 8:00 PM on Wednesday, May 7, 2026, when he witnessed Metropolitan Nashville Police Officer Peter Kinsey being attacked on the side of the road.

The situation had already turned lethal before PS Johanson arrived; the suspect had managed to discharge a round from Officer Kinsey’s service weapon and was actively attempting to regain control of the firearm.

Seeing the struggle, PS Johanson abandoned his vehicle and rushed to the officer’s aid. He successfully:

• Neutralized the threat by pulling the suspect away from the officer.
• Apprehended the individual on-site.
• Maintained control until local backup patrols arrived to finalize the arrest.

“It was the closest I have come to a ‘near-death experience’ while on patrol,” said Officer Kinsey, who credited the Kent sergeant with saving his life.

Following the incident, PS Johanson was invited to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department headquarters. Chief John Drake personally met with the sergeant to express the department’s gratitude, presenting him with several gifts in recognition of his “heroic intervention” and bravery. PS Johanson is expected to return to his duties in Ashford following his time in the States.

Talking about the incident PS Johanson said:

‘I saw the officer was in trouble and my instinct just kicked in. I didn’t stop to think of the consequences or hesitate. I just jumped out and used my skills to ensure the officer was safe and the suspect was apprehended. This was supposed to be a relaxing holiday away from my children but it started off quite the opposite!’

Kent Police Chief Constable Tim Smith said:

‘PS Johanson’s bravery in intervening in this incident was second to none. As a police officer you are never truly off duty and his natural reaction to run toward danger and assist is incredible. His skills and intervention no doubt helped to save an officer’s life and we are very proud of him. He is an asset to Kent Police.’

Chief of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, John Drake, said:

‘Our police department is beyond grateful to PS Johanson for stopping to assist Officer Kinsey, and actively engaging to subdue the man who was assaulting him.

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‘The suspect had already managed to get his finger into the trigger guard and fire a round from the officer’s holstered pistol.  PS Johanson miraculously appeared when Officer Kinsey needed help. I believe he likely saved our officer’s life.’