Three men were arrested in Nashville after a concerned citizen alerted authorities about their suspicious activity atop the AT&T Building, often affectionately called the “Batman Building” due to its unique design.
The incident occurred on Sunday around 5 p.m. when someone called 911, expressing concern over three individuals who were spotted on the skyscraper’s distinctive tower. The witness described the situation, saying, “They don’t look like they’re supposed to be there. And it’s a Sunday. So I can’t imagine they’re working. But it looks very strange.”
Responding officers used binoculars and identified the men, one of whom was seen near a spire, while another lay on the circular logo of the building. However, when police arrived on the scene and searched the roof, they could not locate the trespassers.
After thoroughly checking the building, officers eventually discovered the men hiding together in a locked bathroom stall on the 24th floor just before 6:30 p.m. When confronted, they complied with officers’ requests to show their hands.
The three men explained to police that they had entered the building through an unsecured door. They now face charges of aggravated trespassing and disorderly conduct. The trio has been identified as Jacob Thomas Cieszynski, 26, from Chicago; Chase Cooper Lester, 26, from Culloden, Georgia; and Ryan James McGarrity, 20, from Laguna Woods, California.
In addition to the trespassing charges, Lester was found with burglary tools, including a crowbar and screwdriver, in his backpack. Authorities also confiscated several cameras from the group, including a GoPro, which raised further questions about their intentions.
This case highlights the importance of community vigilance, as the Nashville Police Public Affairs Director emphasized, “This case is a prime example of an alert citizen SEEING SOMETHING suspicious and SAYING SOMETHING to authorities. We all benefit by each other’s vigilance.”
