High Speed Chase Leads to Arrest of Drug Suspects
NASHVILLE --- Three armed suspects are in jail this afternoon after leading Tennessee State Highway Patrol Troopers on a high speed chase in Bradley County.
At approximately 11:00 a.m. (EST), Trooper Kevin Hoppe observed a white 1989 Nissan Maxima traveling north on Interstate 75, near mile marker 24, make an illegal u-turn in the median to the southbound lanes. Trooper Hoppe attempted to stop the car, which began traveling at a high rate of speed. The driver would not stop, and the Nissan exited the interstate at exit 20 and traveled down Withrow Road. The chase reached speeds in excess of 80 miles per hour.
Trooper Hoppe slowed down and stopped pursuing the Nissan after seeing it pass other vehicles across a double yellow line and in curves. The driver, 35 year old Melinda Masengale, lost control of the vehicle after turning onto Harris road and almost crashed into Trooper Hoppe’s patrol car head-on. The suspect vehicle continued down Harris Road where Bradley County Sheriff deputies deployed spike strips. The vehicle hit the sticks, flattening two tires. The Nissan traveled about another mile before going into a wooded field. All three suspects in the vehicle attempted to flee, but because of the trees, they could not get the car’s doors opened.
Officers removed the three suspects from the vehicle and placed them under arrest. Inside the Nissan, officers found a loaded .25 automatic pistol, five pounds of iodine and other components used to manufacture methamphetamine, methamphetamine for resale, marijuana, numerous pills and drug paraphernalia.
Masengale is charged with driving under the influence and felony reckless driving. She and her two passengers, Edward Burnheimer and Jeana Franklin, are all charged with possession of methamphetamine, evading arrest, possession of drug paraphernalia, as well as being fugitives from justice.
Masengale is wanted in Baltimore, Maryland for theft and 4th degree burglary. She was also wanted by Bradley County authorities on meth-related charges. Burnheimer is wanted by the Marion County Sheriff’s Department for probation violation and in Hamilton County for failure to appear. Franklin is wanted by the Board of Probation and Parole.
All three were booked into the Bradley County jail.