What started as a gas stop on South Church Street in Murfreesboro turned into a tense roadside showdown Tuesday, after a driver allegedly refused to cooperate with police and nearly ran over an officer while fleeing the scene. A witness told officers the driver had just removed what appeared to be a card skimmer from a pump before speeding off. The vehicle was later stopped near I‑840 and Burnt Knob Road, where the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office backed up Murfreesboro police.
Police account and pursuit
According to WKRN, an officer approached the driver at the gas station, but the driver allegedly took off and came dangerously close to hitting the officer in the process. Murfreesboro police said officers then pursued the vehicle and forced it to stop in the area of I‑840 and Burnt Knob Road. Officials have not yet released the suspect’s name or announced any charges tied to the incident.
Card skimmers and local context
The possible card skimmer at the pump is not a one-off concern for Middle Tennessee drivers. Fuel‑pump skimmers have turned up in the region before; NewsChannel 5 reported on a similar discovery at a local station, a reminder that thieves like to target unattended payment terminals.
Federal guidance urges customers to look closely before they swipe: check for loose or altered card readers, shield the keypad when entering a PIN, and pay inside when possible. The FBI offers tips on spotting skimmers and reporting suspicious devices. If you think your card information may have been compromised at a pump, officials recommend contacting your bank right away and keeping a close eye on your accounts.
What police are asking
Authorities say the investigation is still underway and are asking anyone with video or information about the encounter to contact Murfreesboro police. As outlined by WKRN, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office assisted officers at the traffic stop near I‑840. Police have not released any further details about arrests or potential charges.
