NASHVILLE, TN - In a dramatic Wednesday evening investigation, Nashville Metropolitan Police revealed the results of a pursuit involving stolen vehicles and firearms, resulting in the arrest of three teenagers. The incident began at 3 p.m. when the owner of a $70,000 Mercedes SUV reported the theft of her vehicle from Centennial Park, with the keys left inside. Vehicle Crimes detectives, utilizing electronic tracking from Mercedes, located the stolen SUV and initiated aerial monitoring.
As the stolen Mercedes traveled, it was observed in tandem with a stolen Infiniti G37 sedan, stolen from West Nashville on December 23. The vehicles were traced to an apartment complex on Murfreesboro Pike, where the occupants switched from the Mercedes to the Infiniti. Despite a Hermitage Precinct officer attempting to stop the Infiniti, no pursuit was initiated, and the helicopter continued to monitor its movements.
The high-speed chase reached dangerous velocities, with the Infiniti hitting speeds of 130 mph on the interstate and 100 mph on Bell Road. A spike strip was deployed successfully on Nolensville Pike, deflating the Infiniti's tires. The occupants fled to a nearby apartment complex, where three individuals were apprehended, including 19-year-old Thierry Bwenge, a 15-year-old, and a 16-year-old.
Six guns were seized during the apprehension, with one carried by the 15-year-old and two discarded during the pursuit. Additionally, detectives recovered 19 key fobs, a key fob programmer, cash, and other items. Bwenge faces charges including auto theft, gun theft, contributing to the delinquency of minors, and evading arrest, with a bond set at $17,000. The two juveniles face charges at Juvenile Court, including unlawful gun possession, joyriding, evading arrest, and possession of burglary tools. The multi-component investigation involved officers from Aviation, Vehicle Crimes, Canine, Robbery, Violent Crimes, South Patrol, and Hermitage Patrol, showcasing the collaborative efforts of various MNPD units.
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