NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro Police are investigating after a person involved in a hit-and-run left the scene on Thursday on Elm Hill Pike.
According to police, the individual was involved in a hit-and-run with injuries. Following the crash, the driver ran off with a weapon, which witnesses reportedly saw.
The neighbors then contacted police who were able to arrest the suspect nearby in the Timber Valley Drive area. They used a K-9 unit to search yards for items the suspect ditched.
Rick Hays is used to dangerous drivers in Donelson.
"Every day is crazy on Elm Hill Pike," Hays said.
But Thursday was worse than usual.
"A dark-colored suburban was topping the hill up there and had drifted," Hays said, "A gentleman in a silver F-150 had to swerve over into my ditch to keep from getting hit, but his side got hit anyway."
He called the police immediately.
"And then the suburban went airborne, and flipped over and landed right there," Hays said. "While I’m on the phone with 911, he gets out and then walks away."
He pointed officers in the direction of the driver who left the scene. In the meantime, neighbors helped the other driver who was hurt. A witness told officers that a man matching the description came up to his vehicle and was yanking on the car door.
Police converged on the Timber Valley Drive and East Lake Drive area because they thought the man could be armed. Police eventually found and arrested him.
"Police showed up quick; ambulance showed up quick; fire department showed up quick, and here we are," Hays said.
Police identified the suspect as Lee Wilkerson. He's a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history.
Wilkerson's name may sound familiar. Police said he was shot during a shootout at the Fiddler's Inn a couple of years ago. In addition, he was wanted at one point in connection with a drug-related shooting at a local Waffle House. According to court records, it appears he wasn't prosecuted for especially aggravated robbery in connection to that case.
Police credit witnesses with helping them make the arrest.
