A man who was involved in a crash after possibly committing a crime on December 17, remains missing after local law enforcement mounted a search for him last week. Authorities say they were concerned the man may have been injured and needed help, but his wanted status may have him in hiding.
According to Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Bobby Johnson 29-year-old Matthew Braswell has been missing since an incident on Ponder Road. Braswell was a passenger of a 2006 Chevy Tahoe, driven by 26-year-old Danny Phillips of McMinnville, when the two men were seen going through a mailbox on Ponder Road. When the homeowner confronted the men, the Tahoe sped away.
As the vehicle traveled down Ponder Road at a high rate of speed, Phillips lost control and struck several trees at the edge of the roadway. Both men tried to flee the scene on foot, but Phillips, who was injured in the crash was soon captured by law enforcement. Braswell on the other hand disappeared into the woods, and hasn’t been seen since.
Phillips was transported from the scene by DeKalb EMS to Ascension Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital, and later airlifted to Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville for his injuries.
The THP, DeKalb Sheriff’s Department, and even a THP helicopter was summoned to the scene days after the incident, after Braswell’s girlfriend reported she had not heard from him. A Smith County Sheriff’s Department’s K-9 unit was even called in fearing the man might be injured and need medical assistance.
The search ended without finding Braswell, but the search did locate the man’s white and gray jacket, which was found in the woods about a half mile from the crash site.
Authorities believe that Braswell, who officers say has outstanding warrants for his arrest, may have hitched a ride out of the area. A phone call from an unlisted number also reported that Braswell is now in another state.
Braswell was last seen wearing blue jeans and possibly a white tank top shirt. He stands six feet tall and weighs 150 pounds. His hair is brown in color, and he has facial tattoos. Authorities say that man is homeless, with his last known address in Lebanon. If you have seen Braswell or know of his whereabouts call the Tennessee Highway Patrol at 423-954-2130.
