HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A pursuit that ultimately led to the death of a Hendersonville police officer reached speeds in excess of 90 mph before the driver crashed, according to an affidavit.
Hendersonville police officer Spencer Bristol was hit and killed Monday night while chasing after a suspect on Interstate 65. Bristol was struck after the vehicle pursuit ended.
According to a police report, the ordeal began when another officer tried to pull over a vehicle for speeding and a window tint violation.
The officer turned on his lights on West Main Street when the driver, identified as 19-year-old Kevin Jordan, allegedly got on Vietnam Veterans Bypass towards Davidson County. Police said Jordan topped speeds of 90 mph and was driving erratically. The car blew a tire just before the entrance to I-65 and two people in the car ran away.
Police quickly arrested Jordan but a second suspect – Emani Martin, also 19 – kept running. Officer Bristol continued chasing after him and was hit by a car when he was crossing the interstate. He was rushed to TriStar Skyline Medical Center but died as a result of his injuries.
According to investigators, Martin seen on dashcam running away. They were also able to confirm it was him using cell phone records. Police said he and Jordan had texted hours before the crash and his phone pinged in the area at that time.
Police later arrested Martin and charged him with evading arrest and criminal responsibility for reckless endangerment. Jordan was charged with felony evading, reckless endangerment and traffic related offenses.
The funeral for Officer Bristol is set for Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Hendersonville. A donation fund has been set up for his family.
Read more: Hendersonville police officer Spencer Bristol hit, killed while chasing suspect
