Warren County suspect fleeing police crashes into beloved business owner on highway

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A police pursuit ended in a fatal crash early this morning. Warren CountyHe killed two people, including 61-year-old Phyllis Prater. The crash occurred at Nashville Highway and Castle Street.

Investigators gathered evidence at the scene as Sky 5 hovered in the air. Phyllis Prater, a well-known community member and owner of Prater’s BBQ, was shot head-on by 24-year-old Brandon James, who was being pursued by suspicious police. Both Prater and James were pronounced dead.

Michael Chrisawn, who worked near the crash site, described the scene. “When I got to the top of the hill I said, ‘Lord have mercy,'” Chrisawn said.

When Chrisawn pulled up to the wreckage on her way to work, she realized something was wrong. “If I had arrived 30 minutes earlier, it could have been me. “You never know,” he said.

Prater, who was also the wife of County Commissioner Gary Prater, was remembered fondly by Chrisawn. “He’s a very kind person. He’s very sweet, very kind, and he does his best to help people,” he said.

According to Murfreesboro police, James carjacked someone at the Church Street Waffle House just before 4 a.m. and fled. They said the stolen truck was found by authorities in Warren County. It’s unclear what happened next. What we do know is this: James drove off in another vehicle and the police began chasing him. McMinnville Police, Warren County Sheriff’s Office and THP were involved.

The chase ended with James hitting Ms. Prater.

“He never had the thought, ‘I’m going to crash this car.’ He’s just so selfish,” Chrisawn said of James.

Chrisawn shared that Prater’s grandson, who worked at the barbecue restaurant, was devastated by the loss. “We’re going to miss Phyllis, that’s all we can say,” Chrisawn added.

At this time, the prosecutor’s office is not saying exactly what caused the crash; it just says James endangered others.

Chrisawn touched on Prater’s impact on the community. “It’s very sad and I feel sorry for the Prater family. There’s no doubt about that.”

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee Highway Patrol and the District Attorney’s Office are continuing the investigation.

31st Judicial District District Attorney Chris Stanford added:

It is with sadness that I confirm that Warren County lost an important pillar of our community early this morning, Ms. Phyllis Prater. Mrs. Prater and her husband, Gary Prater, have long served our community through their public service, kind generosity, and philanthropic work. Ms. Prater will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

It is worth noting that a preliminary review of the available evidence reveals that officers and deputies with the City of McMinnville Police Department and the Warren County Sheriff’s Department handled themselves with the highest level of expertise and integrity during the dangerous situation that appeared to pose a serious threat. Officers and deputies from both departments encountered bodily injury or death this morning.

My prayers, condolences and support are with Ms. Prater’s family and friends, and all of Warren County who will be forever scarred by this tragic event. Warren County is full of loving and supportive people who care about each other. We ask the community to put our differences aside for a moment and come together with me and others to offer our thoughts, prayers, and support to the Prater family as they grieve their great loss.

Rumors and speculations can become common in our society from time to time. But this is an opportunity for us to show what our community is made of and unite with each other for the benefit of the Prater family and our community. Please join law enforcement as we collectively respect the Prater family’s privacy and continue to seek the facts of this incident through further investigation.

Thank you.

Chris Stanford District Attorney 31st Judicial District

Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at [email protected].

Road trip to see some of our neighbors’ best Halloween decorations

Halloween is just a few days away. This year, Americans are expected to spend nearly $12 billion on candy, costumes and decorations. In the last few years, it seems like a lot more people are trying to decorate their homes. Forrest Sanders had the chance to visit several communities in the central part of the state to check out some of the Halloween decorations.

-Lelan Statom