3 hours ago
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Authorities in the United States have arrested a suspect in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of a Nigerian graduate, Oluwalayomi Fadero.
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department confirmed that Ray Eugene Padgett is in custody over the incident, which occurred in Nashville.
According to reports, the incident began after the suspect allegedly stole a vehicle and attempted to evade capture when the owner tracked its location.
Police said the situation escalated when the suspect realised he was being followed, allegedly ramming into another vehicle before speeding off.
Authorities deployed aerial surveillance to monitor the movement of the vehicle, but the suspect reportedly crashed into an unmarked police car, triggering a high-speed chase.
“The intention at that point is to keep an eye on the truck until it finally stops, have ground units move in, and take the man into custody,” police spokesperson Don Aaron said.
The pursuit lasted several minutes, with speeds reportedly reaching up to 80 miles per hour along Murfreesboro Pike.
The chase ended around 2:30 p.m. when the suspect drove into oncoming traffic near Hickory Woods Drive, colliding with a car driven by Fadero.
Police said the impact forced her vehicle nearly 100 yards off the road into a ditch. The 23-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Padgett was subsequently arrested and taken to a hospital. He is expected to face charges including criminal homicide.
Investigators further revealed that the suspect was on parole at the time of the incident.
“We believe he was on parole when he stole the truck and set off the chain of events that led to the death of an innocent woman returning home,” police said.
Suspect arrested over death of Nigerian graduate in US hit-and-run
