Metro Nashville police say a weekend crackdown on illegal street racing ended with three people under arrest, a pistol, and an AR‑15 off the streets, and a string of traffic stops across the city. The targeted operation ran from late Saturday night into early Sunday and, according to the department, involved spike strips, high‑speed pursuits, and at least one crash that left a car in a ditch.
How the sweep played out
According to a Metro Nashville Police Department media release, officers conducted 17 traffic stops that resulted in 10 warnings, two violations, and five people fleeing from officers. Two vehicles were towed, and five misdemeanor citations were issued. The release says spike strips were deployed at Reynolds Road and Smith Springs Road to stop a vehicle that had been seen traveling well above the 40‑mph limit on Bell Road.
Driver seen at 90 mph stopped after ditch crash
WSMV reports officers tracked a white Infiniti that was seen topping 90 mph and appeared to be racing another car before it ran a red light and left the roadway, ending up in a ditch. WSMV says 18‑year‑old Jason Linares was arrested on drag‑racing and related charges after police recovered a pistol and a stolen tag from the vehicle, and later located an AR‑15 in nearby woods.
High‑speed crash and gas‑station arrest
The MNPD release says 28‑year‑old Mondrikus Hamilton was seen driving a two‑door coupe with its headlights off on Trousdale Lane, swerving into oncoming traffic and nearly striking a police vehicle before colliding with another car. According to MNPD, Hamilton fled on foot to a nearby gas station, where he was taken into custody. He faces evading, reckless driving, and leaving‑the‑scene counts and posted a $16,000 bond.
Third arrest tied to outstanding warrant
WSMV reports officers also arrested 20‑year‑old Michael Brice on an outstanding aggravated‑assault warrant tied to a November 2024 incident in which he allegedly pointed a gun at a juvenile and struck her with the weapon. WSMV says Brice later bonded out on $25,000.
Part of an ongoing crackdown
News 2 (WKRN) via Yahoo noted that MNPD’s Street Racer Initiative has been an ongoing effort for years, producing dozens of arrests and hundreds of traffic stops as officers try to disrupt intersection takeovers and illegal meetups. The outlet tied recent enforcement to broader efforts around tougher penalties for drag racing at the state level.
Police said the Traffic Division will continue patrols, and investigators will follow leads to identify organizers and repeat offenders. Officials asked residents with video or tips to file reports through HubNashville or contact MNPD’s non‑emergency line.
