A high speed chase in Rutherford County ended in a fatal crash when a suspect in a stolen vehicle hit another car while trying to run from police.
Officials with the Tennessee Highway Patrol have been investigating the chase that began around 4 p.m. in Coffee County when a suspect stole a black SUV then led officers on that chase into Rutherford County.
The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Garieon J. Simmons, slammed into a car that had been pulling out of a parking lot at South Church Street and Veterans Parkway.
That vehicle, driven by 28-year-old Jessica M. Campos, then went off the roadway. Simmons hit Campos' vehicle on the driver's side.
Campos was killed in the crash. A 7-month-old infant in Campos' vehicle was injured, but authorities said the baby would survive.
Simmons' vehicle then went into the northbound lanes and hit another car, driven by 27-year-old Katrina K. Sadler, head-on.
Both Simmons and Sadler were injured. Their conditions were unknown.
Police attributed the survival of the baby to the use of a car seat.
"Obviously, car seats make a difference. We say both car seats and seatbelt a make a difference. We want people to adhere to state law and best practices that keep kids safe in the car too,” said Travis Plotzer with THP.
Part of South Church Street was closed for a few hours, and traffic was backed up for miles. The road has since been reopened.
Simmons has been charged with vehicular homicide, four counts of aggravated assault, evading arrest, driving on a revoked license, two counts of being a habitual motor vehicle offender, and violation of probation.
Simmons allegedly gave the wrong name to police, so authorities originally released an incorrect name for the suspect before correcting it Saturday morning.
Read More: Wrong Man Identified As Suspect In Fatal Car Crash
A gofundme account has been set up to help out Campos' family. To donate, click here.
