McMinnville Police, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and THP all involved

Phyliss Prater, owner of Prater’s BBQ in Morrison and Manchester, has died following a fatal car crash early Thursday morning, and new information about the situation has surfaced. According to Chris Sandford, District Attorney General 31st Judicial District, the incident is under criminal investigation.

“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm that Warren County lost a pillar of our community early this morning, Mrs. Phyllis Prater,” said Sandford in a statement. “Mrs. Prater and her husband, Gary Prater, have long served our community with their public service, kind generosity and philanthropic work. Mrs. Prater will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.”

Phyliss Prater

It all stemmed from a wreck caused by what Sandford called a “senseless spree of felony criminal conduct.” The suspect in that conduct also died.

“The deceased suspect is believed to be involved in numerous incidents of violent felony criminal conduct across Rutherford and Warren counties that ended with the deadly collision with Mrs. Prater,” according to Sandford.

Michael Chrisawn, who works near the crash site, described the scene to News Channel 5 in Nashville.

From News Channel 5 in Nashville:

“When I topped the hill, I said, ‘Lord have mercy,’” Chrisawn said.

Chrisawn, on his way to work, knew something was wrong when he pulled up near the wreck. “If I would’ve been 30 minutes earlier, it might’ve been me. You just never know,” he said.

According to the release, the TBI and THP made “preliminary and presumed identification” of 23-year-old Brandon Thomas James.

“… Details surrounding the deceased suspect’s identity, his actions during the evident crime spree and details surrounding the awful collision that took the life of Mrs. Prater this morning, are not being released due to the ongoing criminal investigation,” according to the release. “The TBI and THP are and have been working diligently to gather all necessary information to ensure a thorough review of the events leading up to this terrible tragedy.”

Murfreesboro police told news outlets James carjacked someone near the Murfreesboro Church Street Waffle House right before 4 a.m. and disappeared. Officials later found the stolen truck in Warren County. James then got in another vehicle and the police pursuit began, according to reports. McMinnville Police, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and THP all got involved.

A preliminary review of available evidence showed Warren County and McMinnville officers and deputies “handled themselves with the highest level of expertise and integrity during the dangerous situation which appears to have threatened serious bodily injury or death to officers and deputies with both departments this morning,” according to the release.

“My prayers, condolences and support are with Mrs. Prater’s family and friends, and all of Warren County which will be forever scarred by this tragic incident. Warren County is full of loving and supportive people that care for each other. We plead with the community to all try and put our differences aside for a time and join together with me and others in offering our thoughts, prayers and support to the Prater family as they grieve their tremendous loss,” said Sandford.

The investigation is ongoing.

Photo courtesy of Chris Sandford, District Attorney General 31st Judicial District.

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