Two teenagers are facing charges in Nashville and Mt. Juliet after they reportedly fled from officers Friday night in a carjacked vehicle.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Two teenagers are facing charges in Nashville and Mt. Juliet after they reportedly fled from officers Friday night in a carjacked vehicle.
According to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), 18-year-old Eduardo Melendez-Pineda and a 15-year-old girl are accused of taking a 2014 Toyota RAV4 at gunpoint on Thursday, Oct. 17 outside of a home along Patricia Drive.
During the robbery, Melendez-Pineda allegedly approached the driver’s side before firing one shot into the SUV and one shot in the air. Then, the girl ordered both occupants out of the vehicle at gunpoint, they complied, and the suspects left the scene, authorities said.
On Friday, Oct. 18, police said Melendez-Pineda drove himself and the 15-year-old in the RAV4 to Smyrna, where they picked up a 17-year-old boy. When they entered Mt. Juliet, a license plate reader got a hit on the carjacked SUV, sparking a pursuit by members of the Mt. Juliet Police Department (MJPD).
According to officials, the RAV4 traveled back into Davidson County, where it crashed at the intersection of Hobson Pike and Smith Springs Parkway. All three occupants allegedly ran away as the vehicle caught on fire.
Law enforcement said Melendez-Pineda was quickly captured, but an MNPD helicopter pilot noticed him toss a black bag. Law enforcement recovered the bag, which contained a handgun.
Meanwhile, authorities said the 15-year-old called a friend to pick her up, but she was found in the back seat of a Charger, armed with a semi-automatic pistol, during a vehicle stop.
Officials said the driver of the Charger — identified as 23-year-old Kevin Miranda-Robles — is charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, having an open container of alcohol in the car, and failure to have a driver’s license. As of Saturday, Oct. 19, he is free on $2,000 bond.
Police said an MJPD officer and K9 Majlo apprehended the third teen who was riding in the stolen SUV, but he is not believed to have been involved in Thursday’s carjacking.
According to authorities, the 15-year-old admitted she was involved in the carjacking during an interview, so she is charged in Juvenile Court. Meanwhile, Melendez-Pineda — who refused to be interviewed — is being held on a bond of $82,500.
MNPD said both teens are charged with carjacking and face additional charges in Mt. Juliet.