In a harrowing account of domestic violence that escalated into a high-speed pursuit and car crash, Nashville police have taken 27-year-old Thaddeus Carmichael into custody. Carmichael was apprehended by Violent Crimes Division detectives on Tuesday night following a report of an alleged attack on his girlfriend at her Goodlettsville home this past Sunday.
The situation rapidly deteriorated when, according to the victim's statements relayed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center staff, the couple's verbal dispute descended into physical violence. Carmichael is accused of assaulting his partner, attempting to strangle her, and issuing death threats. The victim, in an attempt to escape the terror, snatched her 2-year-old son, fled to her vehicle, and set out for a relative's residence, only for Carmichael to block her way with his vehicle. Despite attempts to reach the safety of the Goodlettsville Police Department, the relentless pursuit continued onto Interstate 65 South, culminating in a crash at the I-40 East intersection. Nashville.gov reports that during the highway chase, speeds climbed over 100 mph, and Carmichael allegedly attempted to break into the woman's car with a metal object.
Promptly arriving at the crash site, emergency personnel delivered both the woman and her young child to the hospital to treat their non-critical injuries. Once capable of doing so, the woman conveyed her ordeal to a nurse, which in turn prompted involvement from the authorities. The subsequent details of the frightening encounter shed light on the terrifying realities that can lurk behind closed doors and spill violently into the public realm. Nashville.gov indicates it was this testimony that led to Carmichael's arrest and the charges pressed against him.
Currently, Carmichael is facing numerous serious charges, including two counts each of attempted homicide and aggravated assault, charges of especially aggravated kidnapping, aggravated child endangerment, theft after taking the victim's phone, reckless driving, and operating a vehicle without a license. Carmichael's bond is set at $255,000, reflecting the gravity of his alleged crimes and the perilous circumstances thrust upon the victim and her child.
