Two Nashville children were left inside a crashed Ford Mustang after police say the driver fled a traffic stop at speeds reaching 87 mph, then ran into nearby woods. The 7-year-old and 4-year-old were not wearing seatbelts, and the younger child was crying when officers found them.
John Chatman, 25, is accused of driving the blue Mustang while intoxicated during Wednesday’s pursuit. According to WSMV, a Metro Nashville police aviation unit first clocked the car at 85 mph on Dickerson Pike before ground officers attempted to stop it.
Police Chase Spanned Multiple Nashville Roads
Investigators say Chatman refused to pull over and continued fleeing as the Mustang headed toward Interstate 65 North. Officers deployed spike strips, but the car kept moving before crashing into a parked vehicle outside a home on Oakwood Avenue.
Chatman allegedly ran from the wreck and disappeared into the woods behind the home. A police helicopter tracked him while a K-9 officer searched the area, and arrest papers say officers later noticed bloodshot eyes and a strong odor of alcohol.
Inside the Mustang, officers reportedly found a nearly empty tequila bottle in the center cup holder. The children were described in the arrest affidavit as visibly scared, and a family member later took custody of them.
Chatman Faces Eight Active Charges
The Davidson County Sheriff's Office records list Chatman as facing felony evading arrest with a motor vehicle, felony evading arrest with risk of injury, two counts of aggravated child endangerment, two counts of misdemeanor reckless driving, misdemeanor evading arrest and DUI with a child.
Chatman was booked into the Downtown Detention Center on Thursday and was listed as ineligible for release because of an out-of-county warrant. The sheriff’s record notes that bond amounts can change through court action, and the charges remain allegations unless proven in court.
Blood Test Results Remain Pending
Police obtained a warrant to test Chatman’s blood, but the results were not yet available Friday. WSMV reported that officers also said Chatman could not provide proof of insurance, while insurance tied to the vehicle’s registration could not be found in the state database.
