NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A routine traffic stop in Nashville became a test of authority after a Metro police officer attempted to pull over a vehicle driven by a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper.

Newly released body camera video shows the Metro officer initiating the stop after clocking a black SUV traveling 85 miles per hour in a 55 miles per hour zone. Police records indicate the officer followed the vehicle for several miles before it came to a stop.

When the driver exited the SUV, he identified himself as a state trooper. The exchange that followed quickly escalated with both officers asserting authority and disrupting the circumstances of the stop.

The Metro police officer demanded identification and told the trooper he was not free to leave. The trooper responded that he was “the police” and suggested they were preparing to move on.

The trooper later said he had blue lights activated, indicating they were responding to other business.

The Tennessee Fraternal Order of Police said that flashing blue lights alone do not override a lawful traffic stop.

“He was doing his job,” Tennessee Fraternal Order of Police President Scottie Delashmit said. “The officer was trying to ensure there was no threat to the public.”

The incident drew heightened attention after it was confirmed that Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton was a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the stop.

In a statement to News 2, Sexton criticized the Metro police officer’s conduct, describing it as overzealous and unsafe. He said he does not believe the state trooper violated traffic laws.

“Any vehicle traveling above a posted speed limit should have emergency lights and sirens operating under Tennessee state law,” DeLashmit said. “Otherwise, you are to adhere to the same traffic laws anyone else does.”

Delashmit said incidents like this highlight the need for clear communication and de-escalation, particularly when multiple law enforcement agencies are involved.

“This is an unfortunate situation that could have been avoided if there had been clearer communication and immediate compliance,” he said.

Following the incident, the Metro Nashville Police Department opened an internal investigation after concerns were raised by the House Speaker’s chief of staff. The review examined whether the Metro police officer violated department policy.

According to MNPD records, the traffic stop was lawful, and the officer acted within policy. Allegations of misconduct were either exonerated or found to be unfounded.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The Tennessee Department of Transportation has announced the suspension of construction-related closures during the holiday travel period.

TDOT says road construction won’t delay travelers for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

All lane closure activity on interstates and state highways will be halted as higher traffic volumes are expected statewide.

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“No temporary lane closures will be allowed for construction on Tennessee roadways beginning at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, December 23, 2025, through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026,” TDOT said.

The state estimates that 2.8 million Tennesseans will be traveling throughout the holidays.

“Safety is our top priority, and with so many people expected to travel Tennessee roadways during the holidays, we want to keep traffic moving and get everyone to their destinations,” said TDOT Commissioner Will Reid, P.E. ““As always, please wear your seatbelt, reduce your speed, avoid distractions, and move over for emergency vehicles as our HELP Truck drivers will be on patrol.”

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