CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – A suspect has been identified after crashing stolen construction equipment into a daycare center on Lafayette Rd. near the 101st Parkway.
Clarksville Police Department spokesperson Jim Knoll said the skid-steer was recently stolen from Stewart County. Police believe it had been stashed somewhere in the area near Lafeyette Rd.
On Monday around 7:50 a.m., construction workers in the area noticed the suspect pulling the skid-steer from a wooded area and followed him while calling police because the situation seemed suspicious.
As the suspect attempted to turn around at Priceless Jewels Academy (1086 Lafayette Rd.), the trailer hauling the skid-steer came off and struck the canopy on the building.
Police did not chase the suspect because the situation did not meet their pursuit policy.
Timothy Grant, director of the daycare center, said the construction equipment went through the canopy and tore it off, but did not damage the building. The suspect then fled the scene.
Grant said some children and staff members were inside at the time but no one was harmed.
“We’re just grateful and thankful that no one was hurt,” he said.
The investigation has been turned over to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, who identified the suspect as 31-year-old Thomas Christopher Nelson. He has four existing warrants on file for two counts of theft, vandalism, and burglary with Montgomery County. He fled the scene in a maroon SUV, pictured above.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 931-648-0611.
