Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – On Saturday, November 29, at approximately 1:24 p.m., the Mt. Juliet Police Department (MJPD) was alerted by Metro Nashville Police (MNPD) about a stolen vehicle last seen traveling near the Mt. Juliet city limits on Central Pike. MNPD was actively tracking the vehicle using GPS and shared a be-on-the-lookout advisory with Mt. Juliet dispatch.
In response, Mt. Juliet officers strategically positioned themselves along Central Pike to monitor for the vehicle. At around 1:38 p.m., an MJPD officer stationed at Springdale Elementary observed the suspected stolen car pass by at a very high rate of speed.
Unbeknownst to MJPD dispatch or responding officers at the time, an MNPD officer had attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle. The driver fled the attempted stop at high speeds, and MNPD did not pursue.
As the vehicle entered Mt. Juliet, an MJPD officer attempted to catch up to it. The officer lost sight of the car and never caught up to it. Shortly afterward, the officer discovered it had been involved in a head-on collision along Central Pike.
MJPD officers immediately began rescue efforts, rendering aid to both occupants of the stolen vehicle—a male and a female—and working to control a fire that erupted after the crash using multiple fire extinguishers. Officers and bystanders also assisted eight individuals in the other vehicle involved in the crash.
All individuals were transported by EMS to local hospitals. The two occupants of the stolen vehicle sustained life-threatening injuries, while the eight individuals in the second vehicle were transported for non-life-threatening injuries.
As with all serious injury crashes within city limits, the Tennessee Highway Patrol was requested to lead the investigation and responded to the scene.
“We’re grateful for our officers, all first responders, and the bystanders who stepped up to help. Our prayers are with everyone impacted by this tragic incident. It’s heartbreaking that a suspect’s reckless choice put so many in harm’s way.” – Chief Tyler Chandler
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