NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A wrong-way driver faces nine charges, including driving under the influence, after a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 40 West involving a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper left seven people injured, including two children.
According to a preliminary THP report, 38-year-old Timoteo Trujillo-Diaz was driving a Honda CR-V the wrong way on I-40 West Saturday night. Around 10:30 p.m., he crashed the car head-on into a Buik Encore near the Stewarts Ferry Pike exit. Both vehicles were left blocking the roadway.
At the same time, a THP trooper was traveling west bound on I-40 in pursuit of another vehicle. The trooper swerved in an attempt to avoid the crash but struck the Honda and came to a stop in the grass.
Trujillo-Diaz and his passengers, 25-year-old Miran Ayala Rivas and 30-year-old Vidal De Jesus Ayala Rivas were injured in the crash.
The Trooper, the Buick’s 35-year-old driver, and two children, ages 2 and 7, were also injured.
Davidson County jail records show Trujillo-Diaz is charged with DUI, four counts of vehicular assault and four counts of reckless endangerment involving a vehicle. He is being held on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer.
According to the preliminary report, one the Honda's passengers, Miran Ayala Rivas, could face charges pending the outcome of the investigation.
A portion I-40 West was closed for about six hours before reopening around 4:30 a.m. Sunday. The crash remains under investigation.
Kelsey Gibbs brings us a powerful story of humanity, compassion, and love in action while showing us the hard and lifesaving work our officers do daily. Nashville is lucky to have people like Lt. Hotz wearing the badge.
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