Early Tuesday morning in Antioch, a chaotic crash unfolded involving a teenager, a police vehicle, and an ensuing flight from the law. WSMV reports that a 17-year-old driver ran a red light and collided with a Metro Nashville Police Department car, subsequently hitting a light pole. The black Infiniti sedan, driven by the teen, ultimately came to rest on its side amidst some trees.
The incident took place near the intersection of Hobson Pike and Hamilton Church Road, around 1:45 a.m. Following the crash, the teenager took to his heels, leaving his injured passenger behind, who was later transported to the hospital with minor injuries, as reported by police. Officers then pursued the young driver, who was already operating the vehicle on a suspended license, and eventually apprehended him. According to a FOX 17 account, police located the teen at his home, where they performed a DUI investigation and found no signs of impairment.
The police car, which an off-duty officer was driving home from an extra duty, was heavily damaged. News 2 coverage of the aftermath depicted the injured MNPD cruiser, emphasizing the severity of the collision. Thankfully, the officer involved did not sustain injuries in the crash, though the passenger riding with him did and was taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Further details about the circumstances leading up to the accident or the identity of the juvenile passenger have not been disclosed as of this time. The teenage driver faces charges including driving without a license, leaving the scene of an accident, and failure to render aid. This incident brings attention once again to the perilous consequences of disregard for traffic laws and the responsibility that comes with operating a vehicle, especially as an unlicensed driver.
