Suspect in multiple Nashville shootings arrested after high-speed chase

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — One of Nashville’s “Most Wanted” fugitives was taken into custody last week following a high-speed pursuit in a stolen car.

Darius Witherspoon, 37, was wanted on seven outstanding warrants stemming from a string of alleged shootings that took place in October 2021 and February 2023, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department.

The first incident was at an apartment complex on 25th Avenue North in the Cumberland View Housing Development. Police said the whole incident was captured on camera.

In the video, Witherspoon could reportedly be seen getting out of a black SUV and firing shots at two men, who told investigators they “thought they were friends” with Witherspoon.

Investigators suspect the shooting may have been related to an argument one of the victims was having with a woman. According to an arrest affidavit, Witherspoon had spoken with the woman, who lived at the same apartment complex, right before the shooting.

More than a full year later, on Feb. 10, 2023, police responded to another shooting in which Witherspoon was the suspect.

Officers were flagged down by a couple driving on Clarksville Pike, who said Witherspoon had pulled up next to their car in a blue Dodge Charger and fired a shot after they refused to pull over.

The couple said they turned around at the KFC near MLK bridge and tried to get away, but Witherspoon continued to follow them. Once they spotted the police officers, Witherspoon reportedly drove off.

While speaking with the couple, officers said they noticed a bullet hole on the passenger side of their vehicle. According to officials, Witherspoon had previously been in a romantic relationship with one of the victims.

Witherspoon was added to the police department’s “Top 10 Most Wanted” list in March 2023 as detectives continued searching for him. It wasn’t until June 27 that an officer patrolling the area of Brick Church Pike and West Trinity Lane happened to come across a suspicious vehicle.

In an arrest affidavit, the officer said he ran the tag of the white Dodge Charger with a Mississippi plate, and the query showed the vehicle had been reported stolen almost three weeks ago.

Detectives followed the vehicle for some time before trying to make a traffic stop at the intersection of Highland Trace Drive and Revels Drive. That’s when authorities said the driver took off and began fleeing at a high rate of speed.

Police successfully deployed spike strips at the intersection of Whites Creek Pike and Green Lane. The driver continued heading northbound on Whites Creek Pike for about a mile before losing control and spinning out.

At that point, officials said they were able to identify Witherspoon as the driver and he was taken into custody. During a search of the vehicle, officers said they found a white powdery substance in the center console area that tested positive for fentanyl.

Witherspoon is now facing a total of 12 charges, including four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of evading arrest, domestic assault, felon in possession of a weapon, vandalism, vehicle theft, possession of a controlled substance and driving on a suspended license.

As of Tuesday, July 2, he was still behind bars with a $221,500 bond.

He is among at least 120 “Most Wanted” fugitives who have been taken into custody since the program was launched in October 2022. Investigators have largely attributed the program’s success to tips they’ve received from the public.

To view the latest list of Nashville’s “Most Wanted” fugitives, click here .

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