A 28-year-old woman, identified as Katlyn Wray, faces a slew of charges following an early morning chase involving a stolen vehicle, Nashville authorities report. The incident, occurring on Tuesday, began when officers on patrol encountered a black Nissan Altima, engine running in a lot at 826 Burnett Road after hours. Unable to peer inside due to the vehicle's heavy tinting, the officers ran the license plate, confirming it as stolen, and found the woman asleep at the wheel.
According to the Nashville Metropolitan Police Department's news release, officers attempted to apprehend Wray by setting up spike strips and blocking the vehicle. However, upon activating their emergency equipment and ordering Wray to exit the Nissan, she reversed into a patrol car, swerved past another, and nearly hit an officer, prompting a chase that saw her driving at varying speeds between 8-15 m.p.h.
The pursuit continued for several hours across the city. Ground units eventually gave way to a police helicopter, which continued to track the vehicle. Assisting in the chase was a Tennessee Highway Patrol unit, which engaged at approximately 7:00 a.m., finally bringing the escapade to a close on I-24 West roughly 30 minutes later. Upon questioning, Wray's response to why she failed to stop reflected a resignation to her criminal status, saying, "I’m already on paper for ten years anyway".
Wray, already on probation for a forgery conviction dating back to November 2023, has an extensive criminal history, including convictions for aggravated burglary, cocaine possession, criminal simulation, and multiple thefts. Notably, she also had an outstanding warrant for another vehicle theft. In connection with the latest incident, Wray was charged with multiple offenses, including vehicle theft, evading arrest, and reckless endangerment. She is now held on a $107,000 bond.
