Columbia Police Arrest Off-Duty Deputy for DUI, Terminated After Chase

Issue #425

May 02, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

☁️ Columbia’s Weather - Cloudy / Afternoon thunderstorms w/ high of 79 & low of 60

🚨 Columbia Police Arrest Off-Duty Deputy for DUI, Terminated After Chase

📰 180 Bags, 378 Items, 7 Tires: Columbia’s Litter Task Force Wraps Up Strong Season

📌 TONIGHT: First Fridays Downtown

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Friday, May 2nd

Saturday, May 3rd

Sunday, May 4th

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

May 1 - 18: Fiddler on the Roof at Packard Playhouse
May 29 - 31: Music City Rodeo

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Columbia Police Arrest Off-Duty Deputy for DUI, Terminated After Chase

A longtime Maury County deputy has been fired and arrested following a serious incident earlier this week in Columbia. Randy Marrisett, who had served with the sheriff’s department for 16 years and was recently promoted to sergeant, was pulled over Tuesday, April 29, by Columbia Police.

According to Mayor Chaz Molder, officers suspected the off-duty deputy was under the influence. Marrisett was reportedly driving a Ford F-150 hauling a trailer full of lawn equipment when he was stopped.

An affidavit states he showed clear signs of intoxication—slurred speech, the smell of alcohol, and sluggish behavior. Witnesses also described dangerous driving, including speeding through neighborhoods and passing cars over double yellow lines.

Police say that shortly after the stop, Marrisett fled the scene, sparking a pursuit that was later called off near Campbellsville Pike.

Social media quickly lit up with eyewitness accounts, with some claiming the truck nearly hit a pole and damaged lawn mowers on 7th Street.

Marrisett was taken into custody the following day and booked into the Maury County Jail. He faces charges of DUI, reckless driving, and felony evading arrest.

Sheriff Bucky Rowland confirmed the deputy’s termination, calling it a deeply unfortunate situation involving someone he described as both a strong officer and devoted father who made a costly mistake.

District Attorney Brent Cooper stated the case will be handled like any other and declined to give further comment.

180 Bags, 378 Items, 7 Tires: Columbia’s Litter Task Force Wraps Up Strong Season

From City of Columbia, TN - Government’s post…

As Litter Awareness Month comes to a close, the City of Columbia would like to recognize the efforts of the Litter Task Force, led by Kenneth Lovett of the Columbia Police Department, Tennessee.

Since the beginning of 2025, the Litter Task Force has collected 180 large outdoor bags of trash, 378 bulky items (including furniture and oversized debris), and 7 tires from streets, parks, and public spaces throughout our city. 

While this dedicated team stays active year-round, our city can be even cleaner and more beautiful when everyone does their part to properly dispose of waste and take pride in our shared community spaces.

Please, don’t litter and don’t dump illegally. Let’s all work together to keep Columbia beautiful for those who live, work, and visit here. 

Together, we can make a real difference.

TONIGHT: First Fridays Downtown

Join us for First Fridays tonight as the Square comes alive with over 45 vendors, amazing food trucks, live music, and a night full of springtime fun.

Our theme for May -- Blooming with Charm -- you can:

  • Paint and plant your own sunflower at the Parks & Rec terracotta pot station.

  • Shop fresh flower stems from Bloomstall.

  • Grab tickets to the Polk Home's beautiful Garden Tour.

  • Learn from the Master Gardeners and get inspired for your own garden.

  • Enjoy live performances from local musicians.

  • Meet young entrepreneurs selling handmade breads, cakes, and even hand-carved walking sticks.

Bring your friends, your family, and your love for spring — you don't want to miss this one. See you tonight in Downtown Columbia!

While you’re Downtown… don’t forget to head over to Strolling on 6th (5PM - 8PM) and the Block Party (7PM - 9PM) at 510 N. Garden St.

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Friday, May 2nd

Rob Harris, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
The Bird and The Bear, Buck & Board, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Yonder Grove, Grinder’s Switch, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
The Nature Project, McCreary’s, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
The Fletcher Brothers, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Rea Radick, The Mulehouse, 7:30 PM Rescheduled to Oct. 17

Saturday, May 3rd

Kenny Durham & Crossbridges, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 - 7:00 PM
Taylor Barton, Buck & Board, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson, McCreary’s, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Karli & James, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
The South Bond Crows, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Sunday, May 4th

Cliftones, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Reba’s Hairdo, Fozzy’s, 4:00 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

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