A high-speed chase on I-40 culminating in an arrest highlighted the evening of Tennessee law enforcement as 30-year-old Charles Crawford Jr. found himself behind bars with a hefty bond set at $110,500. Based on reports from the Nashville Police Department, Crawford was apprehended Tuesday night driving a stolen Infiniti Q60, clocking speeds of 115 miles per hour. Initially spotted by an MNPD helicopter crew running red lights, his ride was reported stolen last Wednesday from a Fed Ex facility on Logistics Way.
During the arrest made on Tennessee Avenue, a mix of controlled substances and paraphernalia was discovered in the stolen vehicle. Wrapped up inside the Infiniti, that had a recently replaced and tinted window amidst traces of broken glass, was a cache of drugs including 220 grams of fentanyl, 292 grams of heroin, as well as quantities of crack cocaine, marijuana, and meth. Also found were three scales, more than $24,000 in cash, a fake temporary tag, and a vehicle programmer. Running red lights, the MNPD helicopter crew initially saw Crawford moving quickly in the vehicle that had been recently reported stolen.
Crawford's list of charges is extensive, including vehicle theft, reckless driving, and possession of drug paraphernalia, among others. He faces additional charges related to drug possessions, specifically three counts tied to the substantial amount of fentanyl, heroin, and other narcotics found on the premises.
According to the information released by the Nashville Police Department, Crawford was also driving on a suspended license and charged with altering the license plate, and possession of key fob equipment—factors complicating this multifaceted case. With the assorted paraphernalia and drugs found inside, a window had been replaced and tinted, the Infiniti raises serious concerns about the scope of Crawford's criminal activities and the MNPD's ongoing battle with vehicle-related crimes and drug trafficking within the region.
