2 dead after crash near McMinnville

WARREN COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — An investigation is underway after two people were killed in a crash near McMinnville Thursday morning.

The crash was reported shortly after 6:15 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24 along Highway 70S near Castle Street in Centertown. Motorists were asked to seek an alternate route following the incident.

Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) reported multiple people were killed in the crash. Agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) were called to the scene to assist with the investigation.

News 2 sent a crew to Warren County to learn more about the incident. According to law enforcement at the scene, an individual shot at an officer, which led to a chase and crash.

Chris Stanford, District Attorney General of the 31st Judicial District, released a statement Thursday afternoon saying his office was working with the TBI and THP to investigate a criminal matter that happened in Warren County and "ended in tragedy."

"It is with a heavy heart that I confirm that Warren County lost a pillar of our community early this morning, Mrs. Phyllis Prater," Stanford said. "Mrs. Prater and her husband, Gary Prater, have long served our community with their public service, kind generosity and philanthropic work. Mrs. Prater will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her."

According to Stanford, Thursday morning's deadly crash "initially appears to be the result of a senseless spree of felony criminal conduct on the part of the deceased suspect that hit and killed Mrs. Prater."

Stanford said the TBI and THP have "made preliminary and presumed identification" of the suspect as 24-year-old Brandon Thomas James, formerly of Murfreesboro, who is believed to have been involved in numerous violent, felonious incidents across Rutherford and Warren counties.

Even though the district attorney general said that additional details about the suspect's identity, his actions during the alleged crime spree, and the deadly collision would not be released due to the ongoing criminal investigation, News 2 received more information on the crash from THP.

Based on THP's preliminary crash report, 61-year-old Phyllis Prater was traveling east on Highway 70S in a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban while James was driving a 2004 Ford F-250 west in the eastbound lane. The Ford collided with the Chevrolet, which overturned after impact and came to rest in the eastbound lanes. Meanwhile, the Ford crossed the median and stopped partially in the westbound lane.

According to THP, Prater was wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash, but James was not.

The TBI and THP are and have been working diligently to gather all necessary information to ensure a thorough review of the events leading up to this terrible tragedy.

It is necessary to note that a preliminary review of the available evidence reveals that officers and deputies with the City of McMinnville Police Department and Warren County Sheriff's Department handled themselves with the highest level of expertise and integrity during the dangerous situation which appears to have threatened serious bodily injury or death to officers and deputies with both departments this morning.

My prayers, condolences and support are with Mrs. Prater’s family and friends, and all of Warren County which will be forever scarred by this tragic incident. Warren County is full of loving and supportive people that care for each other. We plead with the community to all try and put our differences aside for a time and join together with me and others in offering our thoughts, prayers and support to the Prater family as they grieve their tremendous loss.

Rumors and speculation can run rampant in our community, at times. However, this is an opportunity for our community to show what we are made of and unite with one another for the best interest of the Prater family and our community. Please also join with law enforcement as we collectively respect the Prater family’s privacy and continue to seek the facts of this incident through further investigation. Thank you.

Chris Stanford, District Attorney General for the 31st Judicial District

Prater's BBQ Morrison posted about the deadly crash on Facebook, saying, "The Prater’s Family is heartbroken over the passing of our beloved Phyllis Prater. We ask for your privacy as we grieve and remember Phyllis. Thank you for your support and prayers. We will be closed today at Prater's BBQ Morrison TN and will let you know when we will reopen."

Even Manchester Mayor Joey Hobbs shared his condolences after the collision: "Prayers for peace and comfort for the Prater family over the tragic loss of Phyllis. We are also thinking of all those affected by the horrific wreck this morning."

No additional details have been released about this case.

Several people who worked for Prater spoke about the loss.

"To know her was to love her," said Miranda Hearn. "She had a heart of gold and was there for everybody."