NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A 19-year-old man has been charged, and four juveniles were taken into police custody following a high-speed chase in South Nashville early Saturday morning.
Joel Alvarado, 19, was identified as the driver of a Chevrolet Camaro that led officers on a pursuit after being flagged for displaying fake Tennessee tags. According to court documents, police attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle, which was traveling northbound on Nolensville Pike.
However, Alvarado allegedly ignored police lights and sirens, running a red light at the intersection of Nolensville Pike and Harding Place. Law enforcement officials reported that the violation nearly resulted in a “significant crash.”
The vehicle continued to flee from officers, making its way onto Paragon Mills Road. The pursuit was eventually brought to a halt when police deployed spike strips in the 400 block of Paragon Mills Road, puncturing the vehicle’s tires.
At that point, Alvarado and several others reportedly exited the Camaro and fled the scene on foot. Alvarado was apprehended a short time later in the 400 block of Benita Drive.
Alvarado was booked into the Metro Jail and charged with felony evading arrest by motor vehicle with risk of injury, along with a felony charge for altering a title, plate, registration, or permit. Additionally, he faces misdemeanor charges for evading arrest, reckless driving, and driving without a license. His bond has been set at $22,500.
Four minors, who were also in the vehicle, were taken into custody, though further details regarding their charges remain unavailable.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, which could have had more serious consequences had it not been for the timely intervention of law enforcement.
