Former Bravo star accused of hitting woman with rock-filled sock at Walmart
Diamond Tankard, 21, was formally charged on Saturday, July 19, with theft of property and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, Davidson County court records show.
Tankard appeared on Bravo's "Thicker Than Water," a reality show that revolved around gospel jazz producer Ben Tankard and his family. The show ended in 2016 after running for three seasons, beginning in 2013, according to IMDB.
"A former NBA player turned gospel singer navigates the challenges of leading his blended family while growing their business empire through music, sports coaching, and motivational speaking," IMDB's synopsis for the show reads.
As of Tuesday, July 22, it is unclear if Diamond Tankard has a defense attorney. USA TODAY also contacted Ben Tankard's reps but did not receive an immediate response.
What is Diamond Tankard accused of doing?
A probable cause affidavit obtained by USA TODAY says Nashville police were called to the Walmart on July 18 about an assault. When officers spoke with the victim, she told them that while at the self-checkout, Tankard "came from behind, grabbed her by the hair (and) began to assault her."
Following the assault, Tankard took the woman's $1,500 iPhone 14 and her $900 Louis Vuitton handbag, she told police, per the affidavit. Responding officers also noticed that the woman had a laceration above her left eye on her forehead, the court document continued.
The woman's grandmother, who police said witnessed the incident, recalled Tankard having a sock filled with rocks, which is what she used during the attack, according to the affidavit. Police contacted Walmart staff, who they said provided security footage which confirmed the woman's and her grandmother's recollection of the incident.
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What did the Walmart security footage show?
After the alleged assault, the video shows Tankard gathering items from the ground, which police believe were the victim's iPhone 14 and Louis Vuitton handbag, before running from the store, the affidavit says. Officers also saw in the footage that Tankard had something white in her right hand before striking the woman, but they "couldn't make out what it was," the court document reads.
"Based on training and experience and the CCTV footage, officers formed the opinion (that) Ms. Tankard used a blunt object to strike (the victim)," the affidavit says.
The victim identified Tankard from a photo of the security footage, according to the affidavit. Following the incident, the woman was taken by Nashville EMS to a local medical center to receive stitches, police said, per the court document.
Following Tankard's arrest, she was given a $25,000 bond, which she has since posted, according to Davidson County inmate and court records. Her next court hearing is set for Aug. 22.
Jonathan Limehouse covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at JLimehouse@gannett.com.
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