Editor’s note: Some of the information included in this article is graphic.
The rape of a University of Tennessee at Martin student Aug. 30 was the third attack reported by local law enforcement within eight weeks in Martin, Tenn. and investigators are linking the most recent incident to others in the series of sexual assaults on women in Memphis, Tenn. and Martin, Tenn.
Bruce A. Tuck, 35, was arrested Sept. 2 at his parents’ home, in Gleason Tenn., after DNA evidence linked him to the most recent attack in Martin, Tenn., which occurred at 424 Raven St.
Tuck was taken into custody at approximately 5:15 p.m., after a search warrant was executed for the property, and evidence was collected. The arrest was a result of a combined effort between Martin Police Department, Weakley County Sheriff’s Department, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Gleason Police Department, Memphis Metro Police Department, and Shelby County Sheriff’s Department.
During a press conference, held Sept. 3 at Martin Police Department, authorities said, at the time of the arrest, Tuck complained of chest pains, and was transported from the scene to a local hospital. He was later released from the hospital, and booked at the Weakley County Detention Center.
Tuck was charged with three counts of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated sexual battery, two counts of aggravated rape, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, and vandalism, according to the affidavit of arrest. “Everybody threw their badges on the table and worked as one,” TBI Agent, John Mehr said of the combined efforts. Martin Police Chief David Moore credits the arrest to a tip from an unknown citizen.
“We are going to find the person, and personally thank him,” Moore said.
According to the affidavit, on the night of the attack, the defendant allegedly entered from the rear of the home on Raven Street, breaking the glass. He then came in contact with three victims inside of the residence, producing a small black semi-automatic handgun and threatened the victims with the weapon.
The defendant then removed the first victim’s clothing, tore a necklace from around her neck, and forced her to lay nude on the floor with her hands tied to a bedpost. The defendant had the second victim bound with shoe laces and tied to the bed. The defendant then took money from the second victim’s wallet.
The investigation further revealed the defendant forcibly held the third victim against a closed door and licked her breast with his tongue, then forced her to lay down on the bed where the other two victims were tied and forced her to engage in both vaginal and anal intercourse.
The investigation revealed following these acts, the defendant, Bruce A. Tuck then stole several items of the third victim’s personal property and threatened the third victim not to report the sexual contact to authorities. Damage of property and stolen property valued in excess of $1000.
Upon further investigation, DNA, recovered at the scene was matched to the defendant by the TBI lab.
Authorities are now working to connect Tuck to two other separate assaults in Martin, Tenn., and two in the Memphis, Tenn. area.
During the arraignment Sept. 3 in Weakley County General Sessions Court Tuck appeared solemn as Judge Tommy Moore read the list of charges filed against Tuck by the Martin Police Department.
Utilizing DNA recovered from the scene of the Raven Street incident, as well as evidence taken from Tuck’s Phelps Street residence in Gleason, investigators were able to connect Tuck with the home invasion rape on Aug. 30, according to the MPD Chief David Moore.
At his arraignment, Tuck revealed he had worked at Wal-Mart Supercenter in Martin, Tenn. for only a short period of time. When Judge Moore asked how much money Tuck had, he replied he had none and could not afford an attorney to represent him in the case.
Judge Moore appointed 27th Judicial District Public Defender Joe Atnip to the case.
State Attorney General Tommy Thomas requested no bond for Tuck as he was the subject of four additional assault cases in Weakley and Shelby Counties.
“For the safety of the community and your safety as well, I am ordering you held without bond,” Judge Moore told Tuck during his afternoon arraignment.
The general sessions judge scheduled a preliminary hearing for Sept. 16, in which the time and location has not been determined.
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Special Agent John Mehr said people should continue to call tips into the local law enforcement agencies.
“Continue to call in. Tips are very important in cases such as these,” Mehr noted.
The recent rash of sex assaults in Weakley and Shelby Counties had the communities on high alert as people rushed to local pond shops, stocking up on pepper spray and stun guns.
Moore said as a result of Tucks arrest, the citizens could sleep easier, but cautioned the community to continue to be aware of their surroundings.
Tuck was a resident of Tipton County where he sought a district 4 constable seat in 2004. According to his candidate website, Tuck said he had seen first hand what crime can do to a great community if it is not effectively prevented and suppressed, and how corrupt law enforcement officials violate the trust of the citizens of the community.
Tuck also posted photos of his law enforcement badges, which included Oakland Police Department, Rossville Police Department, Collierville Police Department, Shelby County EMS Services, and Tennessee Emergency Medical technician.
According to a press release issued by the Shelby County Sheriff’s office, Tuck served as a volunteer with the force from Sept. 7, 1998 until April 5, 2004.
Agencies continue to take tips regarding any home invasions or recent sex assault attacks. Contact the MPD at 731-587-5355, Crimestoppers at 731-587-2611 or the TBI hotline at 1-800-TBI-FIND. Tips remain anonymous and rewards up to $1000 are offered for information.
