NASHVILLE, TN — A chaotic series of events unfolded on Briley Parkway on Saturday night, leaving 23-year-old Ricky Washington Jr. in critical condition after he was struck by a car while attempting to flee the scene of an earlier crash.
Initial Crash and Washington’s Attempted Escape
The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) reported that Washington was involved in a collision in the northbound lanes of Briley Parkway. Instead of staying at the scene, Washington fled the accident, crossing a concrete median and heading into the southbound lanes. He continued to evade police, eventually entering the property of the Inn at Opryland.
Witnesses who observed the incident provided a description of Washington, leading officers to locate him in the hotel parking lot. When an officer approached, Washington attempted to flee once again.
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Police Pursuit and Tragic Collision
During the pursuit, an officer deployed a taser in an effort to stop Washington, but the attempt was unsuccessful, likely due to the heavy coat Washington was wearing. He then jumped a guardrail and ran back onto Briley Parkway, where he was tragically struck by a Dodge Challenger driven by 30-year-old Jerry Holt II.
The collision left Washington with critical, life-threatening injuries. Emergency responders rushed him to Skyline Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition.
Criminal Background and Charges
Authorities revealed that Washington was on a three-year supervised probation at the time of the incident, stemming from previous convictions for felony reckless endangerment and marijuana possession in September 2023.
Meanwhile, Jerry Holt II, the driver of the Dodge Challenger, was not charged in connection with Washington’s collision. However, during the investigation, police discovered nearly a pound of marijuana, a scale, and a firearm in Holt’s possession. Holt now faces charges related to drug possession and firearm violations.
The Importance of Staying at the Scene
This tragic incident highlights the dangerous consequences of fleeing the scene of an accident. While Washington’s attempt to escape resulted in a life-threatening injury, the event also sheds light on the broader issue of illegal activities and the consequences of attempting to evade authorities.
MNPD continues to investigate the incident, and updates will be shared as new information becomes available.
Conclusion
The community is left shaken by the sequence of events on Briley Parkway, which has raised concerns about public safety and the importance of following the law. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging drivers to stay at the scene of accidents and cooperate with police to prevent further harm.
Our thoughts are with Ricky Washington Jr. and his family during this difficult time as the investigation continues.