Man Steals Car from Waffle House, Leads Police on Multi-County Chase
NASHVILLE, TN – December 20, 2024 – A dramatic car chase spanning three counties ended with the arrest of 31-year-old Eddie Martinez, who faces multiple charges including false imprisonment, vehicle theft, and evading arrest. The incident began at a Waffle House on Donelson Pike, where Martinez, a former acquaintance of the victim, commandeered her vehicle, setting off a chain of events that involved multiple law enforcement agencies and culminated in his capture near Interstate 40.
The victim, a 34-year-old Waffle House employee, had briefly stepped outside to retrieve an item from her car when she encountered Martinez, a former high school classmate she hadn’t seen in years. Martinez, who had been inside the restaurant as a customer, abruptly entered her vehicle, claiming he needed it to escape from unspecified pursuers. Concerned and hoping to de-escalate the situation, the victim entered the passenger seat, but Martinez drove off, initiating a harrowing ordeal for the unsuspecting woman.
Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) officers, working in conjunction with robbery detectives, swiftly leveraged the victim’s cell phone to track the stolen vehicle’s movements. As Martinez crossed into neighboring Rutherford County, Smyrna Police Department officers attempted to intercept the vehicle, but their efforts were thwarted when Martinez refused to comply, leading to a collision with a Smyrna police cruiser. Undeterred, Martinez sped back into Davidson County, ignoring the victim’s increasingly frantic pleas to be released.
The pursuit continued into Wilson County, where the coordinated efforts of Mt. Juliet Police officers and Wilson County Sheriff’s Office deputies finally brought the fleeing vehicle to a halt. Deploying spike strips, they successfully disabled the vehicle on Mt. Juliet Road near Interstate 40, where Martinez was apprehended and taken into custody.
During subsequent questioning, Martinez confessed to stealing the vehicle, reiterating his claim that he needed to escape individuals who were "after him." The victim, recounting the terrifying experience, described Martinez as exhibiting extremely paranoid behavior throughout the ordeal.
Martinez’s arrest brings to light a concerning criminal history, including a 2012 conviction for aggravated robbery and aggravated kidnapping. Currently held on a $47,500 bond, he awaits further legal proceedings. This incident underscores the inherent risks associated with carjacking and the critical role of interagency cooperation in apprehending dangerous individuals and ensuring public safety.
The multi-county chase highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in pursuing fleeing suspects across jurisdictional boundaries. The successful coordination between MNPD, Smyrna Police, Mt. Juliet Police, and the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office demonstrates the importance of interagency collaboration in ensuring effective law enforcement and public safety. The use of technology, such as tracking the victim’s cell phone, played a crucial role in locating and ultimately apprehending Martinez.
The ordeal faced by the victim, held against her will while being driven across multiple counties, underscores the traumatic nature of carjacking and false imprisonment. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by individuals even in seemingly mundane situations, such as retrieving an item from their parked vehicle.
Martinez’s prior convictions for aggravated robbery and aggravated kidnapping paint a picture of a repeat offender with a history of violent crime. His actions in this case, coupled with his past offenses, raise serious concerns about his potential threat to public safety. The $47,500 bond set for his release reflects the severity of the charges against him and the potential risk he poses if released.
This incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, particularly among those who frequent the Waffle House where the carjacking occurred. The seemingly random nature of the crime, targeting an individual simply going about her daily routine, has heightened anxieties about personal safety and security.
The successful apprehension of Martinez brings a sense of relief to the community while also raising questions about the underlying motivations for his actions. His claims of being pursued by unknown individuals remain under investigation, and authorities are working to determine the veracity of his statements. The ongoing investigation will likely delve into Martinez’s mental state and any potential connections to other criminal activities.
This case serves as a cautionary tale, reminding individuals to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, even in familiar places. The quick thinking of the victim in providing her cell phone location to authorities played a crucial role in the successful resolution of this incident. It also highlights the importance of cooperating with law enforcement during such situations, as the victim’s compliance undoubtedly contributed to her eventual safe recovery.