Carlos Alberto Diaz-Chavez, a 21-year-old from Honduras residing illegally in the United States, has been charged with several criminal offenses, as announced by Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee. The charges include being an alien in possession of a firearm, possession of a machinegun, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Acting U.S. Attorney McGuire stated, "We will not hesitate to keep our community safe from those who would illegally possess dangerous firearms, deal deadly narcotics, and who put our first responders at risk by their actions."
The charges stem from an incident on February 17, 2025, where a Williamson County Sheriff's Deputy tried to stop a silver Toyota Camry on Interstate 65 for failing to move over for a stationary vehicle. The situation escalated when the driver, instead of stopping, sped away. The pursuit involved spike strips that eventually disabled the vehicle, leading to its crash into a guardrail near Spring Hill.
Diaz-Chavez, along with two others, attempted to flee the scene. Diaz-Chavez was apprehended carrying a backpack that contained a firearm, approximately 15 grams of methamphetamine, and other related paraphernalia. A subsequent search of the Camry revealed additional firearms.
Upon his arrest, Diaz-Chavez waived his Miranda rights and confessed to possessing the firearms and intending to distribute methamphetamine. He claimed to use the weapons for protection during drug sales. He further admitted to entering the United States illegally in 2019 and residing in Tennessee and Alabama.
If convicted, Diaz-Chavez could face a range of sentences, including up to 15 years for firearm possession as an alien, 10 years for machinegun possession, 20 years for methamphetamine distribution, and a mandatory minimum of five years for the drug trafficking firearm charge. Additionally, substantial fines could be imposed.
The investigation involves the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Williamson County Sheriff's Office, and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Stephens prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, focusing on addressing illegal immigration and combating cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
It is important to remember that a complaint is merely an allegation, and the defendant remains innocent until proven guilty in court.
