'Most Wanted' Fugitive Arrested After Chase on Belmont University Campus

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The arrest of one of Nashville's “most wanted” fugitives led to a heavy police presence at Belmont University Monday night.

Around 7:35 p.m. on Monday, July 1, authorities said Elijah Maitland, 23, ran onto the Belmont University campus while apparently fleeing police.

Earlier in the evening, officers were dispatched to a home on Blair Boulevard for a 911 call about a domestic dispute. The victim told police her ex-boyfriend came to her door.

The interaction was reportedly captured on a Ring doorbell, which showed the man was one of the Metro Nashville Police Department's “10 Most Wanted Fugitives.”

Officers said they were able to verify that Maitland had five outstanding arrest warrants for aggravated burglary, unlawful confinement, domestic assault and two counts of interfering with an emergency call.

However, when police arrived at the Blair Boulevard home, Maitland was gone. The woman told authorities that Maitland had no transportation, indicating he likely left the scene on foot.

Investigators began searching the area for Maitland and later found him walking near the Belmont University campus. After spotting a marked patrol vehicle, police said Maitland ran into a tree line on campus, where they lost sight of him for a short time.

With the help of Belmont Security, which was using cameras, officers eventually found Maitland hiding in a bush. He was taken into custody on his outstanding arrest warrants and an additional charge of escape.

According to police, Maitland did not appear to have had any contact with Belmont students, faculty or visitors, and did not attempt to enter campus buildings.

His previous charges stem from another domestic incident in which he allegedly broke into his ex-girlfriend's home through a window and refused to leave. In an arrest affidavit, authorities said Maitland tried to stop the victim from calling 911 multiple times, at one point grabbing a knife from her and slashing her hand.

Belmont University sent a statement to students and faculty following Maitland's arrest Monday night. The full statement is available below.

At approximately 7:35 p.m., a suspect was fleeing MNPD and ran onto campus. The suspect was quickly apprehended in the Bell Tower area with the assistance of Belmont Security. You will see a larger than usual police presence on campus tonight, but there is no ongoing threat to the campus community.

Belmont University

Documents show Maitland was booked into custody around 8:51 p.m. Monday night. As of Tuesday, July 2, he remained behind bars on $10,500 bail. He is now among 120 “most wanted” fugitives who have been taken into custody since the program began in October 2022.

Investigators attribute much of the program's success to tips from the public. To view the latest list of Nashville's Most Wanted Fugitives, click here.