What could have turned into another West End nightmare ended in handcuffs on Monday, after Metro Nashville police say a gray Kia sedan suddenly started reversing across multiple lanes of traffic, then briefly headed the wrong way on one of the city’s busiest stretches.
According to Metro police, officers watched the Kia back up across three westbound lanes on West End Avenue, then turn and drive east against traffic before finally correcting course. The car was ultimately stopped near West End Avenue and 18th Avenue South, where officers took the driver into custody.
An arrest affidavit reviewed by WZTV states that officers initiated a traffic stop at the West End and 18th Avenue South intersection and confronted the driver, who produced a Georgia driver’s license. A license check reportedly revealed a warrant out of Kansas City, Missouri. Metro Nashville Police then completed an out-of-county hold and transported the person to MNPD booking, according to the affidavit.
Why wrong-way incidents matter in Nashville
Wrong-way driving has already led to serious crashes in the region this year. A late May wrong-way collision on Briley Parkway that killed a driver resulted in juvenile charges in that case, as reported by WSMV, and Hoodline also covered the aftermath and local safety concerns. Together, these incidents underscore how quickly a brief, illegal maneuver can turn deadly on Nashville’s highways and major arterials.
The Metro Nashville Police Department’s Traffic Division routinely investigates dangerous driving calls, and this West End stop remains under review by investigators. This article will be updated if MNPD releases additional details or files further charges in connection with the stop.
