Nashville, TN - In an effort to crack down on street racing, the Traffic Division, with assistance from MNPD Aviation, conducted a Street Racer Initiative Saturday night resulting in five arrests on 18 charges across the city.
Officers spotted a silver Infiniti Q50 performing hazardous stunts on Nolensville Pike at Elysian Fields Road. Upon attempting a traffic stop, the Infiniti sped away, prompting a pursuit. The 17-year-old driver and passenger, identified as Amiocar E. Mejia, 19, attempted to flee on foot but were swiftly apprehended. Mejia, from LaVergne, faced charges of evading arrest and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, while the 17-year-old driver was charged in juvenile court.
Shortly after, a gray Infiniti G36 fled from officers at a high speed on Nolensville Pike at Paragon Mills Road. The MNPD Aviation unit tracked the vehicle to Lydia Drive where the driver, Hans Catalan-Rodriguez, 19, from Madison, attempted to escape on foot. Catalan-Rodriguez was charged with three counts of evading arrest, resisting arrest, and driving without a license, and is currently in custody on a $54,000 bond.
Meanwhile, on Nolensville Pike, a gray Ford Mustang was spotted performing stunts in the middle of the intersection at Paragon Mills Road amidst other vehicles and bystanders. The driver, Pablo Ridolfo, 19, from LaVergne, was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment, evading arrest, driving with a suspended license, and altering the license plate. Ridolfo was released on a $16,500 bond.
Early Sunday morning, Leondrea Bailey, 26, was caught doing donuts in a parking lot at Bell Road and Murfreesboro Pike during an illegal street racing event in a red Dodge Charger. Bailey attempted to flee but was stopped shortly after. She was charged with reckless endangerment, riot, and driving without a license, and is now out on an $8,500 bond.
The MNPD Traffic Division remains dedicated to investigating street racer groups that pose a threat to public safety with their reckless driving behavior.
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