A routine traffic stop on I-40 in Mt. Juliet turned into something far more serious Monday when police pulled over a GMC Yukon with what they say was a fraudulent license plate and ended up arresting a 35-year-old Nashville man wanted in a domestic strangulation case involving a pregnant woman.
Mt. Juliet officers say the Yukon was displaying a plate that belonged to a Kia K5, and a records check on the driver’s information turned up warrants out of Nashville tied to a March domestic incident. Investigators allege the victim, who was pregnant at the time, was strangled during that encounter. Police say the driver was taken into custody on the interstate without incident after the warrants were confirmed.
Routine I-40 Stop Turns Into Fugitive Bust
According to officers, the stop began when they spotted that the Yukon’s plate did not match the vehicle, prompting them to run the tag. A records check flagged outstanding warrants, and that discovery led directly to the roadside arrest, as reported by WSMV.
Strangulation Allegations And Domestic Charges
Mt. Juliet police say the suspect faces multiple counts, including felony aggravated assault related to the alleged strangulation of the pregnant victim, domestic assault causing bodily injury, and interfering with a 911 emergency call. The department detailed those allegations in a post on X from the Mt. Juliet Police Department.
How Tennessee Law Treats Strangulation Cases
Under Tennessee law, aggravated assault involving strangulation is a felony, and cases that involve strangling a pregnant victim can carry enhanced penalties and mandatory conditions. The legislative analysis of HB 248 notes that aggravated assault involving strangulation against a pregnant person can be elevated and may bring tougher sentencing and mandatory minimums in domestic cases; prosecutors will decide whether to seek any enhancements based on the evidence and charging strategy, according to the Tennessee General Assembly.
Ongoing Investigation And Call For Tips
Authorities say the arrest was completed without incident and that the investigation remains active. The case will be referred to prosecutors while detectives continue to review the circumstances around the alleged March assault. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mt. Juliet Police Department’s non-emergency line or submit tips through the department’s online portal, per the City of Mt. Juliet.
