A Cookeville man, wanted on kidnapping and sexual assault charges, was arrested last week at a Smithville business. Authorities say the man held a couple at gunpoint, before they were able to get away.

According to a press release by the Cookeville Police Department, 29-year-old Tyler Hall is charged with one count of aggravated sexual battery and two counts of aggravated kidnapping, after he forced two Sam’s Club employees to drive him to Sparta in White County.

The press release reads, “At approximately 11:56 p.m. on Saturday, June 19, the Cookeville Police Department was contacted by the White County Sheriff’s Office in reference to an incident that had originated at Sam’s Club in Cookeville.”

“At approximately 10:34 p.m., two Sam’s Club employees were standing in the parking lot when they were approached by a white male, later identified as Tyler Hall. Hall then displayed a black pistol and ordered the pair into the female victim’s car. Hall ordered the male victim to drive them to White County. Near Walmart in White County, the male victim was able to wrestle the gun away from Hall. Hall then ran from the scene”.

At the time of the incident, Hall was described as wearing a red shirt, white shorts, a gray hat, and carrying a camouflage backpack. Police said Hall was known to frequent homeless camps in the Cookeville area.

The following day, Hall was arrested by Smithville Police at the Dollar General Store. The Cookeville Police Department reported that, “ At approximately 5:46 p.m. Sunday, June 20 the Cookeville Police Department was notified by the Smithville Police Department that Tyler Hall was in custody for four outstanding warrants. Officers with the Smithville Police Department had located Hall at the Dollar General Store in Smithville. Hall was transported to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department for booking.”