A Nashville Metro police officer died Thursday morning after trying to save a suicidal woman and drunk driver whose vehicle entered the Cumberland River.
Officer Eric Mumaw, 44, ran into the frigid waters as the car began to sink, reports The Tennessean, but was pulled into the current away from the riverbank.
Mumaw was attempting to save 40-year-old Juli Glisson, whose car was at the edge of the river and who reportedly has a history of suicidal behavior. Police spokesperson Don Aaron told The Tennessean that as Mumaw and another officer, Trent Craig, were trying to aid Glisson, she shifted her car from park into gear and it rolled down the boat ramp and into the river. Glisson made it back to the riverbank, but Mumaw did not. His body was found several hours later.
Glisson was treated in a local hospital and police say she showed clear signs of intoxication; she had a previous DUI charge. The Metro Nashville Police Department confirmed on Twitter that they are seeking to charge Gilsson:
Juli Glisson, whose actions caused the death of Officer Eric Mumaw, will be facing a charge of aggravated vehicular homicide. Warrant issued pic.twitter.com/79ps2ChA5v
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) February 3, 2017
NBC reported that Mumaw was an 18-year veteran on the force and left behind his longtime girlfriend and her daughter.
Nashville Mayor Megan Barry honored Officer Mumaw in a statement, saying, “Officer Mumaw dedicated his life to the safety and protection of us all, and today he gave his life to that calling.”
Nice shot from @NC5_Sky5HD of Gateway Bridge, lit up blue for Officer Eric Mumaw pic.twitter.com/ObgHYyQU0K
— Rebecca Schleicher (@NC5_RSchleicher) February 3, 2017
The Metro Courthouse, the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge and several other buildings were lit up in blue Thursday night to honor Mumaw, and the mayor ordered all Metro buildings fly their flags at half-staff.
Photo: Metro Nashville Police Department