2 arrested after lengthy police pursuit

Metro police arrested two suspects after a lengthy police pursuit overnight that ended when the women's car got stuck in a parking lot off of Elm Hill Pike in Donelson and police had to force entry. Metro police Capt. Randy Hickerson said that shortly after 3 a.m. Tuesday an officer attempted to stop a silver Oldsmobile Alero because police believed that the car and tags were stolen and that the suspects and/or vehicle possibly may have been involved in a robbery. The car did not stop for the officer and a pursuit began with speeds staying very low, Hickerson said. On Briley Parkway, speed reached 50 mph. Police were able to lay down spike strips two times, which deflated the suspects' tires, but the driver continued to travel with three of her tires flattened. After about 35 minutes police vehicles were getting in position to block the vehicle as they were in the Elm Hill Pike and Donelson Pike area. However, the Alero pulled into a parking lot at Airport Center Drive and Elm Hill Pike and then got stuck on top of a curbed dirt mound. Officers approached, telling both suspects to exit the vehicle, but they refused. Their doors were locked. Officers broke out windows and gained access to the suspects and took them into custody, Hickerson said.The driver faces charges of motor vehicle theft, theft of a tag, revoked driver's license, and felony evading. The passenger had an outstanding parole violation warrant. The suspects' names were not released. Police believe the women were using drugs prior to the pursuit.Police learned that the vehicle had not been involved in a robbery as earlier suspected.— LEIGH RAY (tennesean)