Mount Juliet Police took two Smithville residents into custody after a chase on I-40 Thursday.
Authorities said Edward Judkins, 51, faces charges of evading arrest and reckless endangerment, while 41-year-old Candida Driver was charged with simple possession of a Schedule VI drug (Marijuana), and arrested on warrants for evading and failure to appear in DeKalb County.
In a prepared press release, the Mount Juliet police said the two were stopped with a spike strip.
“After a short pursuit Thursday morning, Mount Juliet Police successfully stopped a fleeing car with a spike system,” the release read. “Around 7:15 a.m. Thursday morning, a Mount Juliet Police officer attempted to stop a 1996 Toyota Camry on Interstate 40 westbound for a traffic violation.”
Judkins apparently proved to be the driver of the car, while Driver was the passenger.
“The driver failed to stop, and led police officers on a short pursuit,” the release continued. “The pursuit entered Metro-Nashville for a very short period of time, turned around, and headed eastbound on Interstate 40. While on Interstate 40 eastbound, a Mt. Juliet Police Officer was able to safely deploy a spike system in front of the fleeing car. The spike system deflated two of the car’s tires, which eventually disabled the vehicle. Officers were able to successfully arrest the driver and passenger (Driver) without further incident on Interstate 40 near the Mt. Juliet Road interchange.”
Police said Judkins attempted to conceal a bag of marijuana after the pursuit.
“The driver, Edward Judkins, 51, of Smithville, was arrested and charged with evading and reckless endangerment,” read the release. “The passenger, Candida Driver, 41, of Smithville, was arrested on existing warrants for evading and failure to appear in court out of DeKalb County. In addition, she attempted to conceal a baggy of marijuana on her person, which was discovered by medical personnel. She was charged for simple possession of a Schedule VI drug. Both are set to appear in court on May 13.”