Metro Nashville police arrested two suspected robbers and searched for one or two more after a pursuit across Nashville early Wednesday.
According to police, the incident started with an armed robbery at a Mapco convenience store on Old Hickory Boulevard near Andrew Jackson Parkway in Hermitage, at about 11:15p.m. Tuesday. An unknown number of suspects robbed the business of an unknown amount of money, police said.
After the robbery, investigators said an officer spotted the suspects' vehicle going the wrong way on Old Hickory Boulevard, and began to pursue it. That chase took the suspects and officers on I-40 heading westbound. Officers said the suspects exited the interstate at the Highway 70 exit in Bellevue and crashed their vehicle under the overpass.
Officers on scene said they are investigating whether shots were fired by the suspects. One of the windows of their vehicle appeared to be shot-out, and shell casings were found nearby.
One suspect was arrested at the crash scene, and second was arrested a short distance away. Officers believe there are one or two more who ran from the area.
Officers from around Nashville responded to the scene, but NewsChannel 5 was told that the officer involved in the chase was not hurt or in danger at any time.
Officers were seen combing the area around I-40 and Highway 70 overnight. They appeared to be searching for the suspects and searching for evidence, and some were armed with assault rifles. Metro Nashville police said a pistol was recovered from the scene.
"In the event you do see something in your yard, motion lights, anything suspicious, call us and we'll check it out," said Capt. Charles Widener of Metro Nashville Police Department.
The ramps on and off of I-40 at Highway 70 are closed for the investigation. It's unclear when they may reopen.
There is no description of the outstanding suspects. Police said the suspects are being questioned in connection with other recent robberies.
