12-05-2025
DUI suspect charged with hitting patrol car, chase
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man is now facing a long list of charges claiming he was 'very intoxicated' after ramming his car into a patrol vehicle before leading troopers on a chase in the Bartlett area Sunday.
Randy Rodriguez, 24, is charged with aggravated assault law enforecement/first responder, speeding, reckless driving, opposing traffic, disobedience to traffic control, possession of a prohibited weapon, intentionally evading arrest in auto, reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, manufacture/deliver/sell controlled substance, leaving the scene of an accident, open container law, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving under the influence/ intoxication/drugs.
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On May 11, around 2:45 a.m., troopers said they saw a gray Hyundai Genesis Coupe driving 30 miles over the speed limit on Kirby Whitten Road and Summer Avenue.
When the trooper attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the Hyundai sped off. However, the trooper says they were able to get the tag number from the temporary tag on the back of the car.
The trooper says that when they were headed to the owner's listed address, they saw the Hyundai again in the area of Reese Road and Whitten Road. This time, the temporary tag was removed.
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Another traffic stop was initiated when the Hyundai made a U-turn to go back the other way. The driver is accused of going through a traffic stop and driving into oncoming traffic.
The trooper says they positioned their vehicle with lights and sirens in front of the Hyundai to prevent the driver from proceeding through oncoming traffic.
The Hyundai continued, striking the patrol vehicle before making another U-turn and speeding off.
At that time, a chase was initiated. The suspect is accused of driving 100 miles per hour on Interstate 40 before getting off, disregarding multiple red lights.
His vehicle stopped west of Sycamore View Road, where he was taken into custody.
The driver was identified as Randy Rodriguez. He allegedly told the trooper he was 'very intoxicated' after the trooper spotted an open Corona Beer bottle in plain view in the center cupholder.
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A pair of brass knuckles, along with three small bags filled with marijuana, 10 wrapped and labeled pre-rolled marijuana cigars, 20 wrapped and labeled THC vapor/wax pens, three labeled small jars of pre-rolled marijuana cigars, a scale, a grinder, and empty plastic bags were also found in the Hyundai.
Both the trooper's vehicle and the Hyundai were heavily damaged.
Randy Rodriguez is currently held in jail on a $90,000 bond. He is due in court on Monday morning.
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