Man In Nashville Crime Spree Is Caught, Escapes Custody & Steals School Bus While Still Handcuffed

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WSMV

NASHVILLE — Convicted robber James Matlouck Jr., 29, is in custody for aggravated robbery in regards to his alleged involvement in an early morning hold-up today in the 2400 block of 26th Avenue North and for fleeing from officers in a stolen Grayline school bus.

Events began to unfold overnight at 1:15 a.m. when Matlouck allegedly asked a man for a lighter before robbing him at gunpoint. Matlouck and a second suspect then drove off in the victim’s black 2003 Buick LeSabre. Madison Precinct officers spotted the stolen vehicle, with Matlouck behind the wheel, at 3:10 a.m. When officers attempted to stop the Buick, Matlouck and his passenger bailed from the stolen car in the 600 block of Moormans Arm Road and fled. Matlouck was found hiding nearby in a wooded area and taken into custody. Matlouck was seen running from the vehicle carrying an AR-15 rifle which was also recovered.

As the officer who was escorting Matlouck opened the door to enter booking at 506 2nd Avenue North, Matlouck, whose hands were handcuffed behind his back, broke free and fled on foot toward Gay Street, jumping over a four foot wall and eluding capture.

Officers searched the area, joined by canine and aviation units, and Fire Department personnel in a boat to view the river bank. At 10:45 a.m., a citizen spotted a Grayline school bus being driven erratically on Rosa Parks Boulevard near Monroe Street. Officers followed the bus until it crashed into a parked vehicle in the Cumberland View public housing development on 25th Avenue North. Matlouck, still handcuffed, again attempted to flee on foot but was taken into custody. The bus had been stolen from a Grayline gated parking area in the 100 block of North 1st Street.

Matlouck is charged with two counts of aggravated robbery, felony evading arrest, escaping custody, theft of a motor vehicle, felon in possession of a gun, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Matlouck has previous convictions for aggravated robbery and theft.

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