A police pursuit involving a shoplifting suspect in a stolen car has ended on Interstate 40.
Those with the Mt. Juliet Police Department issued a traffic alert along Interstate 40 West near mile marker 223, a couple miles before the Old Hickory Boulevard exit Saturday afternoon.
Reports stated a traffic backup in that area was due to the end of the pursuit involving a stolen car. The two left lanes were closed to westbound drivers. Authorities said the roadway was cleared by 5:15 p.m.
According to officials, the incident began around 4:17 p.m. Saturday at the Walmart in Mt. Juliet. Authorities attempted to stop a shoplifting suspect, later identified as 25-year-old Cedric Hayes, of Hermitage.
A chase began after Hayes left the scene in a stolen car, which led authorities onto Interstate 40 where they deployed spike strips and stopped the vehicle.
Hayes then got out of the car and tried to run, but authorities said he was quickly captured.
Police said he was in possession of a stolen handgun, marijuana, and pills.
The car the suspect was driving was stolen, along with a handgun recovered from the car. Marijuana & pills found in car as well. pic.twitter.com/rM6sOkkz87
— Lt. Tyler Chandler (@TylerJChandler) November 26, 2016
Reports stated the vehicle was stolen out of Nashville on November 19. The handgun had been stolen during a robbery in Nashville on July 22.
Hayes also left two adult females and three children at Walmart when he fled from police. He was the only person being charged in the incident.
Hayes was being held in the Wilson County Jail. He was charged with:
- Theft of property - shoplifting
- Driving on a revoked driver's license - 4th offense
- Felony evading
- Misdemeanor evading
- Reckless endangerment
- Motor vehicle theft
- Theft of property
- Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony
- Unlawful for felon to be in possession of a handgun
- Possession of a schedule VI (marijuana) drug with intent to distribute
- Possession of a schedule VI (pills)
- Criminal impersonation
Hayes has previously been convicted for motor vehicle burglary, theft of property, and resisting arrest, among other convictions.
