Sumner County, TN (February 3, 2025) – A police pursuit ended in a fatal head-on crash at Academy Rd and Brooks Ln on Friday evening, leaving one person dead and another injured.
According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), the crash occurred at approximately 6:10 p.m. on January 31, 2025. Nathaniel Mills, 23, was fleeing from the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office when he crossed over the center line, crashing into another vehicle head-on.
The impact caused Mills’ vehicle to veer off the right side of the road into a ditch, while the other vehicle overturned and came to a stop in the roadway. Authorities confirmed that 41-year-old Nathan Harper died at the scene as a result of the collision.
Mills was also injured in the crash and is now facing aggravated vehicular homicide charges. The THP is leading the investigation into the crash, reviewing factors such as speed, reckless driving, and impairment.
Further details will be provided as the investigation continues. Our thoughts are with the family of Nathan Harper during this difficult time.
Police Chase Accidents in Tennessee
High-speed police pursuits can pose serious risks to both law enforcement and the public. Crashes during pursuits often result in severe injuries or fatalities, especially when vehicles are traveling at high speeds. Unpredictable driver behavior, reckless fleeing, and failure to yield increase the likelihood of dangerous head-on or rollover crashes.
According to the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security (TDSHS), law enforcement chases have been linked to numerous fatalities and serious injuries across the state each year. Many of these crashes involve innocent bystanders caught in the pursuit path.
To reduce risk, law enforcement agencies follow strict pursuit protocols to balance public safety with suspect apprehension. However, reckless fleeing drivers can still pose a serious danger to other motorists on the road.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident involving a police chase, seeking medical care and legal guidance is essential. For more information or assistance after a crash, contact Local Accident Reports.