NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Police confirmed the passenger in a Chevrolet Camaro was killed in a crash involving two vehicles on 40th Avenue North.
The wreck happened near Albion Street Saturday evening. Officials identified the deceased victim as 37-year-old Marlon Burnett of Madison.
Authorities said the driver of the Camaro was convicted felon 37-year-old Demond Buchanan. According to reports, Buchanan was driving 50 miles per hour in a 30 miles per hour zone on Clifton Avenue near 39th Avenue North.
Officer Brandon Rardin was conducting traffic enforcement in that area. Rardin turned his emergency equipment on in an attempt to stop Buchanan, but officials said Buchanan allegedly continued driving and accelerated to a high rate of speed before turning onto 40th Avenue North.
Police said Rardin did not pursue Buchanan. The call of a the crash involving Buchanan’s Camaro came in a short time later, according to initial reports.
Officials said the Camaro was traveling north on 40th Avenue when Buchanan allegedly attempted to pass a Chevrolet Trailblazer driven by 43-year-old Theopolis Waters on the left side of the road.
Authorities said Waters was trying to turn left onto Albion Street when the two vehicles collided, causing the Trailblazer to roll over. Officers said the Camaro hit a brick building.
Burnett, the passenger in the front seat of the Camaro, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said Buchanan was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center with non-life threatening injures. Officials added there was evidence at the scene of drug use by both the driver and passenger of the Camaro.
Waters was taken to Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital. Authorities said his injuries were minor.
Officials said they also recovered a loaded handgun, a large amount of money, and about one ounce of marijuana from Buchanan’s Camaro.
An alcohol and drug analysis was scheduled to be completed after a blood sample was taken from Buchanan.
Authorities said Buchanan’s previous convictions were for aggravated assault, cocaine possession, felon in possession of a weapon, aggravated burglary, and evading arrest. Buchanan also received a citation for reckless driving and driving on a revoked license April 9.
Officials said any charges related to this fatal crash would be determined after the completion of an investigation and consultation with the District Attorney’s Office.
