Early Sunday morning, what started as a simple traffic check on Winchester Road turned into a high-speed sprint across Memphis streets, according to state troopers. A Memphis man was arrested after authorities say he led a trooper on a chase that topped 125 mph through city roads. The pursuit began when a trooper spotted a Nissan Altima driving with its lights off and ended near Winchester and Emerald Street after a brief foot chase. The driver, identified as 26-year-old Joshua Draine, now faces a stack of charges tied to the incident.
Troopers say routine stop turned into chase
According to WMC Action News 5, a trooper tried to pull over the Altima near Winchester and Hickory Hill. As the officer stepped out of his patrol car, the driver hit the gas and took off. The police report states the car reached more than 125 mph in a 45 mph zone, blew through several red lights, made U-turns and weaved through traffic before the chase was brought under control. The Altima eventually stopped near Winchester and Emerald Street, where officers say the driver jumped out and ran before being caught after a short foot chase.
Signs of impairment and evidence
As reported by Yahoo, troopers said Draine showed several signs of impairment, including slurred speech and watery, bloodshot eyes, and appeared too impaired to complete standard field sobriety tests. Investigators reported finding a large open bottle of alcohol inside the car, and a passenger told troopers that both men had been drinking before the attempted stop. Draine was taken to a hospital for a blood draw. His $60,000 bond was reportedly posted the same day, and he is scheduled to appear in court on March 12.
Charges and next steps
Police charged Draine with evading arrest, reckless driving, violation of the light law, driving under the influence, disobedience to a traffic control device and resisting official detention, according to a police report shared with WMC Action News 5. Prosecutors are expected to review dash-cam video, witness accounts and lab results as they decide how to move forward in Shelby County courts. Draine remains free on bond while the case works its way through the system.
Investigative focus
Investigators say dash-cam footage, officer statements and the hospital blood-draw results will be key evidence as the DUI case moves toward prosecution. Authorities have not indicated any additional arrests tied to the pursuit, and troopers continue to collect material for the case file. Upcoming motions, filings and hearing dates will appear in local court records as the case progresses.
