Williamson County Sheriff's Office helicopter helps arrest reckless driver

(Source: Williamson County Sheriff's Office)

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) – A reckless driver was apprehended and no one was injured, thanks in part to the Williamson County Sheriff's Office helicopter known as Air 1.

Nowadays, most departments have a strict pursuit policy, and many criminals know this, which is
why having a helicopter in the sky can be invaluable.

This was the case on Thursday May 23 around 3 p.m.

That's when Williamson County deputies stopped a Chevrolet Suburban on I-840 that was going 87 mph in a 70 mph zone, according to investigators.

“Traffic was heavy, excluding construction now,” an officer said on the body camera.

Before the officer got out of the patrol car, the driver of the Suburban, now identified as Allen Clay, 31, of Georgia, drove off.

“Chasing a vehicle, he’s involved in some construction here,” a deputy dispatcher radioed.

Dash camera video shows Douglas driving aggressively through a congested construction zone full of cars.

For the safety of other drivers on the road, the deputies backed away, but called Air 1 who found the Suburban and monitored it for many miles while the deputies stayed back, making sure not to put in endanger other drivers.

The helicopter observed the Suburban trying to hide in the Crossings shopping center in Spring Hill and other neighborhoods around Kedron Road.

At one point, the police were able to find the vehicle and slash the tires.

Eventually, the vehicle stopped in a neighborhood and Clay fled.

As the helicopter guided deputies into the field, a half-dozen of them chased Clay into the woods behind some homes.

” Not moving ! Face it! Not moving ! Put your hands on your lower back right now,” the deputies ordered.

Clay was arrested without incident.

“Are you trying to kill someone today?” » » asked an MP.

“No sir. I was afraid for my life,” Clay replied.

“How many school buses did you pass today on the double yellow? » » asked an MP.

“I ran for my life. I knew what I was going to face, so I ran,” Clay said.

Clay told deputies he was sacrificing a lot. Officers asked Clay if he had any warrants, and he avoided the question, saying he sacrificed a lot to be where he was, mentioning he was in the area to see his nephew graduate.

Clay is currently being held in the Williamson County Jail on $100,000 bail.

He is accused of fraud, dangerous driving and speeding.

According to investigators, Clay holds a position in Jackson, Tennessee, for reasons that are unclear at this time.