Tennessee Highway Patrol Arrest Fleeing Suspect

NASHVILLE -- On Wednesday, April 20, 2016, Tennessee State Trooper John Welker of the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) was exiting the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Training Center when he heard a rustle of leaves and branches on the other side of his patrol car. As he looked toward the area the sound was coming from he observed a white object on the ground moving around. Trooper Welker approached the white object and discovered that it was a black male wearing a white t-shirt and red gym shorts. The trooper instructed the individual to stand up and walk towards him. As the man was walking the trooper observed that he had a black ankle monitor on and only had socks on his feet.

Upon further inspection of the man Trooper Welker noticed that the subject was breathing very heavily and his clothing was disorganized. As the subject got within five to six feet of Trooper Welker he was instructed to give the trooper his identification. Upon interviewing the suspect he was asked about the reason he was sitting in the bushes. The suspect explained that he was just trying to get to the YMCA so he could play basketball. The trooper informed the suspect that he was trespassing on state property. At this time Trooper Welker requested Trooper Colby Huff to assist him. Trooper Welker alerted THP Nashville Dispatch of the situation, and a request was issued to check the suspect for warrants on NCIC as well as out of Metro Nashville.

The subject was identified as Michael Hughes, 19, out of Nashville, Tennessee. Dispatch advised that the subject had five active warrants on hand with Metro Nashville Police Department. Without incident Trooper Welker then placed Hughes under arrest for the five active warrants. As this was taking place, Trooper Huff pointed out the Metro Police Helicopter in the air. Additionally the troopers could hear police sirens nearby. Trooper Welker then advised THP Dispatch that there was a large police presence in the area and to contact Metro Nashville Police to see if Hughes was a subject they were looking for.

Dispatch then advised that Hughes was a suspect that Metro Nashville Police were looking for after fleeing a traffic stop close to the area. Metro Nashville Police then informed THP Dispatch that they had a unit in route to come pick up Hughes. Troopers Welker and Huff then escorted Hughes to the front parking lot of the Training Center, where they met an officer from Metro Nashville Police who took custody of Hughes and transported hi to Metro Booking. The booking photos may be obtained at Metro Nashville Detention Facility.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to serve, secure, and protect the people of Tennessee.

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