TENNESSEE — A Memphis man is facing multiple charges after allegedly leading Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers on a high-speed chase through the city before crashing and fleeing on foot, according to authorities.
The pursuit began May 14 when a trooper patrolling Winchester Road spotted an SUV traveling at a high rate of speed, according to an affidavit.
Troopers said the driver refused to stop after a traffic stop was initiated and instead accelerated. During the chase, the SUV reportedly turned onto Airways Boulevard, crossed the median and made an illegal U-turn.
Investigators said the vehicle exceeded 100 mph, ran red lights and nearly struck another vehicle. Authorities also said the SUV hit a THP patrol car during the pursuit.
The driver, later identified as Quentin Burnside, eventually crashed into a curb in a neighborhood, causing the SUV’s front tires to blow out, according to the affidavit.
Troopers said Burnside then got out of the vehicle and ran away, jumping multiple fences before escaping.
During a search of the abandoned SUV, investigators said they found a backpack containing a bag of cocaine, two bottles of promethazine and a digital scale with marijuana residue.
Authorities later located Burnside and took him into custody.
He is charged with evading arrest, reckless driving, driving without a license, failure to yield at an intersection, disobeying a traffic signal, possession of drugs with intent to sell and possession of drug paraphernalia.
