6 Teens, 10-Year-Old Arrested After Stolen Vehicles Spotted Speeding Through Nashville

Police say the suspects were driving stolen Kia and Hyundai vehicles at dangerous speeds, even going into oncoming traffic.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The Metro Nashville Police Department announced the arrest of seven juveniles on Monday in connection with stolen vehicles in Nashville. Detectives first spotted a stolen Kia Optima in Hermitage before a police helicopter noticed it was speeding alongside a stolen Hyundai Sonata. Both vehicles were driving at dangerous speeds and even going into oncoming traffic while entering Rutherford County.

Why it matters

Vehicle theft and reckless driving are major public safety concerns in Nashville, with the city experiencing a rise in these types of crimes involving young offenders. This incident highlights the need for continued law enforcement efforts to address juvenile crime and protect the community.

The details

Two 14-year-olds were arrested in the Kia Optima, and two 13-year-olds, a 14-year-old, a 15-year-old, and a 10-year-old were arrested in the Hyundai Sonata. The vehicles were stopped with the help of the La Vergne and Smyrna police departments.

  • On February 17, 2026, detectives first spotted the stolen Kia Optima in Hermitage.

The players

Metro Nashville Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that announced the arrests and led the multi-agency effort to stop the stolen vehicles.

La Vergne Police Department

The neighboring police department that assisted in stopping the stolen vehicles.

Smyrna Police Department

The neighboring police department that assisted in stopping the stolen vehicles.

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The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges Nashville faces with juvenile crime and the need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes and prevent these types of dangerous incidents from occurring in the future.