Mt. Juliet police spent Friday night combing neighborhoods near Interstate 40 after a teenager allegedly ran from a crash at mile marker 223. Witnesses told officers the youth bolted into a wooded area, then headed toward nearby streets that lead to Central Pike and the Springdale Elementary campus. Authorities warned nearby residents they were actively canvassing the area and asked anyone with information to come forward.
The Mt. Juliet Police Department issued an MJAlert on X describing the suspect as a Black male teen wearing a white tank top, rolled-up jeans, and no shoes. The alert said that "officers continue searching for a crash-involved suspect who fled on foot from I-40 West near the 223MM," and added that a witness last saw the teen heading westbound from Chandler Randford Road and Central Pike.
The crash was reported on I-40 near mile marker 223 between the Old Hickory Boulevard and Mt. Juliet Road exits, according to WSMV. Officers said they searched the tree line and nearby yards where the suspect may have entered the neighborhood streets.
Where officers focused the search
Police concentrated efforts around Chandler Randford Road, Anthony Way, and the stretch of Central Pike that runs alongside the interstate as crews swept wooded lots and cul-de-sacs. Mt. Juliet has seen several crashes and pursuit-related incidents on I-40 this spring, and local coverage noted the department's history of using fast alerts and vehicle-tracking tools during those responses. One earlier incident involved an I-40 chase that ended at the Old Hickory Boulevard exit in April.
Police urged anyone who sees the person to call 911 or contact the Mt. Juliet Police Department with tips. WSMV noted the alert asked the public to report sightings and not to approach the suspect, and authorities said they will release updates as the situation develops.
