A wrong-way crash on Briley Parkway early Saturday left a Clarksville man dead and a 17-year-old facing serious charges in Juvenile Court, according to Metro Nashville police. Investigators say a pickup truck was heading west in the eastbound lanes near Clarksville Pike when it slammed head-on into a Chevrolet Cruz. The Cruz’s driver, 66-year-old Alan J. Roncone of Clarksville, was rushed to a hospital, where he later died. The teen, behind the wheel of the pickup, was treated for minor injuries at Vanderbilt University Medical Center before being taken into custody.
WSMV reports that Metro Nashville Police Department investigators say the collision happened at about 4:25 a.m. The 17-year-old has been charged in Juvenile Court with vehicular homicide by intoxication and reckless endangerment. Police told the station the teen was treated and discharged from the hospital before being arrested. Investigators say the reckless endangerment charge stems from another driver who was traveling ahead of the Cruz and had to swerve to avoid the oncoming pickup.
What investigators say
Metro police’s Traffic Division is working to piece together how the pickup got into the wrong lanes, collecting physical evidence and witness statements to reconstruct the crash. Officials have not released the teen’s name, citing the ongoing investigation. The driver who swerved ahead of the Cruz stayed at the scene and spoke with officers, police said.
Charges and next steps
The juvenile now faces charges that carry weighty consequences if they hold up in court, and those counts will move through the Juvenile Court process. Prosecutors will decide whether to pursue any additional action as the investigation continues and toxicology results are reviewed.
Briley Parkway context
Briley Parkway has seen its share of fatal and wrong-way crashes in recent years, and Metro police say they bring charges when investigations point to impairment or reckless behavior. Previous Metro media statements show similar cases in which young drivers were charged with vehicular homicide after deadly wrecks on Briley; see this MNPD release for an example.
Police say their investigation into Saturday’s crash remains active and are asking anyone with information to contact investigators. For the initial station reporting on the wreck, visit WSMV.
