Teen Arrested After Alleged Street Racers Attempt to Block Roadway

Hermitage Precinct officers conducting routine patrol near Elm Hill Pike and Briley Parkway early Sunday morning arrested a teen after observing nearly 50 vehicles blocking the exits, not allowing motorists to continue onto Elm Hill Pike. Officers activated their emergency equipment to disperse the crowd. Multiple vehicles took off while others fled on foot.

Officers saw a black Infiniti sedan with no license visible parked on the side of the road. As they approached the car, the driver, Christopher Troy Vaughn, 19, sped off on Elm Hill Pike. Officers activated their emergency equipment, making announcements for Vaughn to pull over. Vaughn continued to flee at a high rate of speed, weaving in and out of traffic. Vaughn ultimately turned into the Mapco at 465 Donelson Pike where he was taken into custody. Vaughn, of Old Hickory, is charged with rioting, felony evading arrest, and reckless driving.

Additionally, despite Saturday evening's severe weather, a large group of street racers converged on the intersection of Nolensville Road and Elysian Fields road. Officers provided high visibility enforcement in this area and deterred the intersection take over. Officers also responded to McGavock Pike and Century Boulevard in reference to an intersection take over. When officers arrived, numerous vehicles took off to include a dark colored Mustang. As the Mustang sped away, it struck a pedestrian nearby. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but it fled the scene. The pedestrian also left before officers could detain him. Later in the evening, a large group of street racers were located at 11th Avenue North and Nelson Merry Street. Central officers assisted with breaking up this group and dispersing the crowd.

The final group encountered Sunday at 1 a.m. on Elm Hill Pike and Briley Parkway resulted in Vaughn's arrest.
In addition to precinct-level enforcement, the MNPD Traffic Division has frequent street racer initiatives as a part of the continuing effort to combat dangerous behavior at unsanctioned car meets.