NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A 30-year-old man was arrested Monday after reportedly stealing a vehicle and leading police on a pursuit across two counties, which ended in a foot chase in South Nashville
Jorge Valenzuela-Valenzuela faces nine felony and misdemeanor charges following the incident.
According to a report from the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), the chase started on Monday, Dec. 9 after a woman located her stolen vehicle on Murfreesboro Pike using a GPS.
She told MNPD her white Hyundai Sonata was stolen from her residence on Piccadilly Row near the Priest Lake area on the night of Dec. 8. The dealership where she purchased the vehicle was able to track the car and located it traveling to a gas station in the 4000 block of Murfreesboro Pike and stopping down the road at a nearby house.
Authorities said officers arrived at the house and saw two men in the backyard. A white Hyundai Sonata — matching the make and model of the stolen vehicle — with a large portion that had been spray-painted black was parked under a carport.
According to reports, when officers approached the vehicle, Valenzuela was seated in the driver's seat. Officers reportedly commanded Valenzuela to stop, but instead, he drove away in the car.
Officials said the officers called for a police helicopter to track the Hyundai and used GPS information from the dealership to confirm the correct vehicle was being chased.
Valenzuela reportedly drove down Hobson Pike toward South Mt. Juliet Road, prompting Mt. Juliet Police to become involved in the pursuit. The vehicle then got onto Interstate 40, heading back toward Nashville.
Authorities said Valenzuela made it to Lebanon Pike and began driving in oncoming lanes of traffic.
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As he neared South Nashville, he reportedly exited the vehicle behind an ice cream shop in the 3600 block of Nolensville Pike and fled on foot.
The MNPD helicopter continued to pursue him as he reportedly ran across the railroad bridge that runs over Nolensville Pike near the Nashville Zoo. He continued to run for a short time until he was apprehended by officers near the 3700 block of Nolensville Pike and arrested.
While searching his backpack, officers found multiple sets of car keys and burglary tools, like pliers and screwdrivers, according to Metro police.
The steering column of the vehicle had been torn out, and officers confirmed it to be stolen by verifying the license plate number.
MNPD searched Valenzuela's record and found he was driving on a suspended license. He now faces multiple charges including,
- Vehicle theft less than $60,000- Felony
- Vandalism under $10,000- Felony
- Evading arrest in a motor vehicle- Felony
- Possession of burglary tools- Misdemeanor
- Evading arrest- Misdemeanor
- Driving on a suspended license- Misdemeanor
- Reckless driving- Misdemeanor
- Probation violation- Misdemeanor
- Failure to appear- Misdemeanor
He is detained in Metro jail on a $95,000 bond.