Robertson Sheriff: Suspect in manhunt that shut down I-24 wanted on federal drug charges

The Robertson County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man at the center of a manhunt that brought traffic to a standstill for hours Thursday on Interstate 24 in Montgomery County. 

Marvis Lamont Young, 34, of Cross Plains, remained at large as of Friday morning. 

The suspect, who is being sought on federal drug distribution charges, was spotted on the interstate Thursday, leading law enforcement to attempt a traffic stop, according to a news release issued by the Robertson County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were able to stop Young’s car in Robertson County at about 4 p.m., but the suspect drove off, heading west on Interstate 24. 

He pulled over around mile marker 17 and fled into the woods, the release said.

"He had a child in the car," Cheatham County Sheriff Mike Breedlove said Thursday evening. "We were able to safely take the (young) child into our custody." 

Police from other agencies descended on the scene. 

The Robertson County Sheriff’s Office, Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and Tennessee Highway Patrol searched the area until about 5:30 p.m. 

Drivers reported seeing a helicopter over the search area as well. 

"Right now, we’ve suspended the search, and we’ll look for him another time," Breedlove said, noting that investigators believe the suspect was picked up by another person alongside the interstate.

Young was at the center of a joint investigation by the Robertson County Sheriff’s Office, Springfield Police Department, DEA, ATF, TBI, and the 23rd Judicial Drug Task Force.

Authorities suspected him of selling methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana and took out a search warrant for his Bob Carr Road home, the Robertson County Sheriff’s Office release noted.

During the search on Dec. 13, authorities found 11.17 ounces of crystal methamphetamine, 34.9 grams of cocaine, one gram of heroin, a large, unspecified amount of marijuana, digital scales, numerous baggies, one Glock 9-milimeter pistol with extended magazine and one Glock 40-caliber pistol inside the home, the release said. 

Additional charges against Young are pending, officials said.

Police are asking anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity on Interstate 24 between mile markers 16 and 19 Thursday to call 911. 

The Robertson County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about Young’s whereabouts to call their tip line at 615-382-6600.

USA TODAY Network reporters Amy Nixon and Stephanie Ingersoll contributed to this report. Reach Leaf-Chronicle Editor Chris Smith at chrissmith@theleafchronicle.com, 931-245-0282 or on Twitter @cssmithwrites.