What started as a stolen SUV case turned into a helicopter-assisted chase through Nashville on Tuesday, ending with three teens in custody and three guns off the street, according to Metro Nashville Police.
Investigators say a stolen 2017 Nissan Pathfinder was spotted at an apartment complex in Madison. Detectives monitored the SUV with help from an MNPD helicopter, then moved in as it headed toward downtown. Police report that the occupants bailed out and ran, but were caught near Dr. MLK Jr. Boulevard and 12th Avenue North.
Authorities identified one suspect as 18-year-old Wesley Figures. The other two are a 17-year-old and a 15-year-old, both of whom were also taken into custody in the same area after short foot chases.
Vehicle-crimes detectives say they had first found the stolen Pathfinder parked in the 5800 block of Maudina Avenue on June 15. Officers later recovered a pistol from Figures’ backpack after he allegedly tried to stash it in some bushes. As reported by WKRN, officers also located a gun that had been reported stolen last week near the path where the 17-year-old had been running, and recovered a third firearm in the area where the 15-year-old fled.
Chase, Foot Pursuit And Arrests
Police say the recovery effort escalated quickly. Once detectives closed in on the SUV, the stop turned into a brief chase when the teens allegedly tried to drive away, then took off on foot. MNPD reports that its helicopter guided ground units as officers spread out across the Dr. MLK Jr. Boulevard and 12th Avenue North corridor.
All three suspects were caught after what officials describe as short foot pursuits, and the weapons were recovered soon after in the surrounding area. According to investigators, Figures is accused of ramming a patrol vehicle while attempting to escape.
Charges And Next Steps
The 17-year-old and 15-year-old were booked in Juvenile Court, where they face charges of vehicle theft, juvenile handgun possession, and evading arrest, all listed as second offenses, according to WKRN. The 17-year-old is also accused of theft of a firearm.
Figures faces charges of vehicle theft, evading arrest, and contributing to the delinquency of minors, police said. He is being held on a $109,000 bond while the investigation continues. Detectives say the case remains active as they work additional leads.
Why It Matters
MNPD has repeatedly warned that cars and trucks across Davidson County serve as easy hunting grounds for thieves looking for guns. A 2025 Metro Nashville Police Department media release noted that a large share of guns reported stolen in the county were taken from vehicles, and officials say targeted vehicle-crime operations remain a priority. The Metro Nashville Police Department has urged residents to lock their vehicles and remove firearms and other valuables from inside.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact MNPD's Vehicle Crimes Unit or Crime Stoppers. Investigators say tips can help them connect recovered weapons to other incidents. This story will be updated as police release additional details.
