Video shows police chase of wrong-way driver on Memphis interstate | News
A routine Sunday morning drive nearly turned into a fatal tragedy on Interstate 40 in Memphis. Chad Moore describes a terrifying encounter with a wrong-way driver that was only averted by the split-second intervention of Memphis Police officers.
A Chain of Chaotic Events
The danger began well before the highway encounter. Around 5 a.m., investigators say officers responded to a robbery near Macon Road and Maria Street, followed shortly by reports of gunfire on Chatwood Street.
While no one was injured during the initial incidents, the situation escalated just over an hour later. Officers spotted a vehicle believed to be connected to the crimes, leading to a high-stakes pursuit.
The suspect fled by driving the wrong way onto Interstate 40. Heavy fog blanketed the roadway, significantly reducing visibility and increasing the risk for unsuspecting motorists.
The Moment of Impact Avoided
Chad Moore was entering the interstate at Covington Pike when he encountered the suspect. “I’m coming off the exit ramp… I saw a car turn. I didn’t really notice the officers at first,” Moore recalled.
Within seconds, Moore realised the gravity of the situation as he saw approximately 10 officers pursuing the vehicle. “The guy was coming right at me,” Moore stated.
Moore estimates the suspect was travelling at roughly 70 miles per hour, while he was moving at about 45 mph. The collision seemed inevitable until an MPD officer took decisive action.
“An MPD officer kind of swerved over, got beside him, and pushed him off,” Moore said. He believes that without this maneuver, the suspect “probably would have seriously hurt me, if not ended my life.”
Emotional Aftermath and Investigation
The pursuit concluded near Covington Pike and Elmore Road, where the suspect was taken into custody. For Moore, the emotional weight of the event hit him most profoundly upon returning home.
Moore expressed overwhelming gratitude for the officer’s actions, noting the relief of being able to hug his children and grandchildren after such a close call.
The investigation remains ongoing. While the suspect is in custody, police have not yet released the specific charges the driver will face.
Potential Next Steps
Legal proceedings are likely to follow as investigators finalize the details of the robbery and the subsequent pursuit. The city may also see continued reviews of safety protocols regarding high-speed chases in hazardous weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the events leading up to the chase begin?
The chaos began around 5 a.m. With a robbery near Macon Road and Maria Street, followed by gunfire reported on Chatwood Street.
How did the police stop the wrong-way driver?
According to Chad Moore, an MPD officer swerved beside the suspect’s vehicle and pushed it off the road to prevent a head-on collision.
Where was the suspect eventually apprehended?
The pursuit ended and the suspect was taken into custody near Covington Pike and Elmore Road.
How do you think city infrastructure could better prevent wrong-way entries on major interstates?