Authorities in the United States have taken a suspect into custody following a fatal hit-and-run that led to the death of a Nigerian graduate, Oluwalayomi Fadero.
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department confirmed the arrest of Ray Eugene Padgett in connection with the incident. A report by local outlet WSMV4 indicated that the tragedy unfolded on Friday after the suspect allegedly stole a vehicle and attempted to evade capture.
According to the report, the truck’s owner tracked the vehicle’s location, prompting the suspect to react violently when he realised he was being followed. He reportedly reversed into a vehicle behind him before attempting to flee.
Police deployed aerial surveillance to monitor the situation, but the suspect allegedly escalated the incident by crashing into an unmarked police vehicle, sparking a high-speed pursuit.
“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,” the MNPD Public Information Officer, Don Aaron, was quoted as saying.
The chase lasted roughly five minutes, with speeds reaching about 80 miles per hour along Murfreesboro Pike toward the county line.
The pursuit came to an end around 2:30 p.m. when the suspect drove into oncoming traffic near the junction of Murfreesboro Pike and Hickory Woods Drive.
Police said the suspect collided with a white sedan driven by Fadero, forcing the vehicle nearly 100 yards into a ditch. The 23-year-old was confirmed dead at the scene.
Following the crash, Padgett was arrested and taken to a hospital. He now faces a charge of criminal homicide.
Investigators also disclosed that the suspect was on parole at the time of the incident.
“We believe that he was on parole when he stole the truck and set off the chain of events that claimed the life of an innocent Nashville woman who was returning home,” the police said.
The death has sparked grief within the community, particularly among alumni of Fisk University, where Fadero studied.
“It’s heartbreaking to know she was near her home and close to where she lived,” a Fisk alumna, Jessica Williams, was quoted as saying.
Fadero’s former lecturer, Janet Walsh, remembered her as a caring and selfless individual, highlighting her dedication to helping others.
“These small acts of kindness and consideration truly make the world a better place. I’m honoured to have known her and witnessed her sense of global citizenship,” Walsh said.
A temporary memorial has been created at the crash scene along Murfreesboro Pike in her honour.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign launched to assist her family with funeral costs had raised over $15,000 as of the time of this report.