Shooting Suspect Found Hiding From Police In Restaurant Freezer

A man suspected of opening fire on a semi-truck driver in Tennessee over the weekend was found hiding from police inside a McDonald's freezer in Putnam County, WKRN reports. Investigators said the man led police on a pursuit late Saturday night (March 13) after shooting at a driver on an East Tennessee interstate.

According to Monterey police, Xavier Waters, of Nashville, opened fire at a semi-truck in Roane County while driving along the interstate, with at least one shot hitting the door of the truck. Police noticed Waters' vehicle near exit 301 on I-40 in Putnam County and they attempted to stop him; however he refused to pull over and a pursuit ensued.

Officers with the Tennessee Highway Patrol deployed spike strips near Cookeville in an effort to slow Waters down. Though two tires were punctured, he continued the chase until he lost control of his vehicle near exit 280. Police said he then fled on foot and ran into a nearby Love's Truck Stop. After evacuating the building, police were able to locate Waters hiding inside the freezer of the McDonald's restaurant inside the truck stop.

Waters is facing several charges, including evading, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, reckless endangerment, and driving on a revoked drivers license. According to police, he faces additional charges in Roane County for aggravated assault, and has warrants out of Knox County for felony aggravated assault with a handgun, felony kidnapping, felony aggravated burglary, domestic assault, and theft.

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