La Vergne, TN - A determined effort by La Vergne Police officers and assistance from vigilant citizens led to the successful apprehension of a suspect following a high-risk incident early Wednesday (6/18/2025) morning encounter. Around 1:39AM officers responding to suspicious activity at the Baymont Inn & Suites discovered a vehicle with its trunk open and the driver asleep at the wheel. A firearm was visible on the passenger seat, and the individual was quickly identified as a convicted felon out of Williamson County.

As officers attempted to safely remove the non-compliant suspect from the vehicle, he suddenly accelerated, briefly dragging Sergeant Woodard before fleeing the scene and striking a patrol car. A high-speed pursuit followed onto Waldron Road and Interstate 24 East, with the Tennessee Highway Patrol assisting before the chase was called off for safety reasons.

Thanks to continued investigative work by La Vergne Police personnel and a timely tip from an engaged citizen, the suspect—identified as Rzgar Ali—was located at a residence on Rimrock Road in Smyrna. Officers from both La Vergne and Smyrna coordinated a tactical response, safely taking Ali into custody without further incident. He now faces multiple felony charges and is being held at the Rutherford County Jail.

La Vergne Police Chief Christopher Moews (pronounced "mays") praised the department’s effort and interagency cooperation: “This is an excellent example of LPD's steadfast dedication to protecting our residents and actively patrolling for individuals engaged in criminal activity. I commend all involved personnel for their professionalism, resolve, and restraint.”

Community members with additional information are encouraged to contact the La Vergne Police Department at (615) 793-7744 or reach out to Crime Stoppers.

The incident serves as a strong reminder of the power of community vigilance and the dedicated response of law enforcement working together to keep the city safe.