Off-duty Lebanese police officer killed in motorcycle accident

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – An off-duty Lebanon police officer was killed in an accident involving his personal motorcycle. A woman who was on the scene seconds after the crash explained what she saw and how she called for help.

“It’s literally one of the worst feelings I’ve ever had in my life,” said Tabitha Johnson.

Johnson said she will never forget what she saw on Tuesday afternoon.

“I was driving a colleague home. I saw a gentleman running to a bicycle that was lying there. I rolled down the window and asked him if I was OK. He said I wasn't and pointed down the street,” Johnson said.

Johnson said when she saw what was lying in the street, her jaw dropped and a shiver ran down her spine.

“I looked over and saw the body,” Johnson said. “I saw the woman was completely out of it, so I went down and just grabbed her. I just held the girl; I just held her because I didn't know what else to say except 'I'm sorry.'”

The woman asked if Johnson could end the call with the dispatch center for her.

“So I picked up the phone and told them what she had told me. She said he lifted a tire, which I took as 'popping a wheelie,' but she said he lifted a tire, hit the curb and there was a metal fence and it just so happened that his neck hit right where the metal fence was,” Johnson said.

And when the Lebanon police pulled over next to them on Aviation Way.

“I told them who it was. He worked for the Lebanon Police Department. He worked the night shift. The guys were totally freaked out,” Johnson said.

Lebanon Police said the suspect was Officer Brendan Myers; just hours later, the police department released a photo of Officer Myers expressing her despair and grief.

“Whether he was just being silly or just trying to show off, he mattered, his life mattered, he protected us and kept us safe, and for that I will keep his name alive forever. I will be forever grateful to the Lebanon Police Department,” Johnson said.

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