ASHLAND CITY, Tenn. (WKRN) – A three-hour manhunt ended with the arrest of 33-year-old James Streit, a Kentucky ex-convict, who was found hiding in a hunter’s tree stand after fleeing from a stolen vehicle in Ashland City, Tennessee.
The incident began around noon on Sunday, July 6, when Ashland City Police received a BOLO from Kentucky authorities regarding a stolen Ford F-350 equipped with GPS tracking. The vehicle was being actively monitored by the company it was stolen from, allowing police to track its movement down Highway 12.
When officers attempted to stop the truck, Streit reportedly fled down Blue Grass Road, a dead-end leading to a boat dock. Dashcam footage showed the vehicle barreling down the narrow road before veering off into the woods.
As the vehicle disappeared into the tree line, officers set up a perimeter, uncertain if Streit was alone or armed. Agencies from across the region—including Tennessee Highway Patrol, Metro Nashville’s Air 1 Unit, Cheatham County deputies, and K9 teams—joined the search.
Sgt. Alexis Duncan of Ashland City PD flew with the Air 1 helicopter crew to assist in locating Streit. Despite thick forest canopy and high humidity interfering with surveillance equipment, Streit was eventually located in a tree stand and surrendered without incident.
Back at the jail, authorities found methamphetamine in Streit’s possession, adding to his list of charges. He now faces:
Possession of stolen property over $10,000
Driving on a suspended license
Introduction of contraband into a penal institution
Possession of methamphetamine (Class C felony)
Streit, who is currently on supervised probation in Kentucky until 2028 for a previous assault conviction, is being held at the Cheatham County Jail. He is expected to appear in court next month.
