Hendersonville police officer hit, killed by vehicle – NewsChannel5.com

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A Hendersonville Police officer has died after being hit by a vehicle on Interstate 65 South.

The crash happened around 7:45 Monday night at mile marker 95 near Vietnam Vets Parkway.

Officer Spencer Bristol, 31, was pursuing a suspect into Davidson County on outstanding warrants. The suspect vehicle crashed into another vehicle on Vietnam Vets, prompting two suspects inside to bail from the car. One of them, 19-year-old Kevin Jordan, was immediately arrested. A second suspect was never caught.

Officer Bristol chased after the second suspect, but was hit by a vehicle as he crossed I-65 South.

The woman who hit him stopped to help, and officials say she was distraught over what happened. He was rushed to TriStar Skyline Medical Center but died as a result of his injuries.

Jordan will be charged in Sumner County. Jordan faces charges of felony evading, reckless endangerment and traffic related offenses.

“It’s been nearly 20 years since this department lost an officer in the line of duty and this was too soon for it to happen again,” said Hendersonville Police Chief Mickey Miller.

Bristol, a U.S. Navy veteran, joined the department in 2015. He leaves behind a wife and 3-year-old daughter.

“I never saw anyone who wanted to be a police officer as much as him,” said Chief Miller. “He was very proactive and very much wanted to do the right thing for this city and take care of this city.”

Some local police departments have taken to social media to express their support and sadness.

Sumner County Sheriff’s Office posted to Facebook saying, “We are mourning the loss of a Hendersonville Police Officer tonight. We are praying for their family and loved ones.”

Berry Hill Police officials held a moment of silence over the radio for Officer Bristol.

EDITORIAL NOTE: An earlier version of this story noted that a second man was arrested in connection with this crash at a nearby Hooter’s restaurant. Hendersonville Police Department have since issued a correction that the man was not involved in the crash.