Nashville Police Officer Dies in Fiery Crash

NASHVILLE -- A Metro Nashville Police officer died in a fiery crash in the city's downtown area early Thursday morning.

Officer John Anderson's patrol car was struck around 3 a.m. vehicle at the intersection of Interstate Drive and Woodland Street by a 17-year-old driver in a 2016 Ford Fusion, who sped off after an officer attempted to pull her over, according to WTVF.

The Metro Nashville police cruiser spun out and hit a utility pole before it caught fire. Anderson was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Our hearts are very heavy this morning," Metro Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron said during a news conference. "Officer Anderson was a very well liked individual among all officers who knew him."

The 28-year-old officer was a four-year veteran of the Metro Nashville Police Department, joining the force on November 1, 2014. He was also a member of the police department's Drill and Ceremony Team.

The driver of the Fusion, identified as Jayona Brown, was transported to a hospital while her passenger, an 18-year-old, did suffer life-threatening injuries and was taken to a separate hospital.

Brown was booked in juvenile detention after being released from the hospital and was charged with evading arrest, driving on a suspended license and vehicular homicide, aggravated assault and juvenile curfew violation.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing.

Funeral arrangements are pending.