NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A convicted felon wanted for his connection to retail crime and a shooting has been taken into custody after fleeing from police in an SUV with three children in the back seat, officials said.

The Metro Nashville Police Department said detectives with the Specialized Investigations Division located 34-year-old Cedric Hayes driving a Nissan SUV near 9th Avenue North and Cheatham Place on Monday, June 23.

Authorities reported officers activated their emergency equipment, but Hayes refused to stop. As a result, a police helicopter followed the SUV, which had three children in the backseat, ages 4, 3 and 1.

Hayes drove to Delta Avenue where he then got out of the SUV, walked to another vehicle and got into the passenger seat, police said. The driver of the vehicle reportedly stopped on Rosa Parks Boulevard and Hayes ran away, but was quickly taken into custody.

According to officials, further investigation revealed that detectives issued warrants for Hayes' involvement to a shooting in the 3500 block of Albee Drive on Feb. 5. Police said Hayes was shot in the arm during the exchange of gunfire, adding a gun was recovered from his jacket and he was believed to be selling firearms at the time.

In addition to the shooting, warrants were also issued for the 34-year-old's connection to a shoplifting incident at HomeGoods on March 11.

In total, police reported Hayes was charged with felon in possession of a gun, making a false report, two counts of evading arrest, three counts of child endangerment, organized retail crime, and theft. Booking records show he is being held in Metro Jail on a $26,000 bond.

Hayes reportedly has previous felony convictions in Wilson, Rutherford and Davidson counties. Authorities said the convictions including theft of property, auto burglary, 3rd offense drug possession, evading arrest, reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon and identity theft.

No additional details were immediately released.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/mnpd-convicted-felon-arrested-after-fleeing-from-police-with-children-in-backseat/