NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A Jacksonville husband and wife were killed early morning Friday in Nashville, Tennessee after their taxi collided with a stolen Jeep, according to the Nashville Police Department (NPD).

Around 2:40 a.m. Friday, police said a Toyota van carrying Kirk and Kathy Granfors, was heading west on Demonbreun Street and had the green light at the 12th Avenue intersection, according to witnesses. 

Police said a Jeep driven by 37-year-old George Chaney was traveling at “a high rate of speed” south on 12th Avenue, striking the passenger side door of the taxi. 

Kathy Granfors, 68, died at the scene, police said. Kirk Granfors, 64, was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he later died.

NPD said Chaney attempted to flee on foot, but was unable due to his injuries. Chaney was hospitalized at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He was arrested after being discharged Saturday afternoon, according to the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee involved in the crash was stolen from an 8th Avenue South apartment garage in Berry Hill in February, NPD said. It was red when it was taken and was later painted black.

NPD said Chaney was arrested on March 2, on charges of felony reckless endangerment with a vehicle, evading arrest, auto theft, reckless driving, altering a license tag and driving on a suspended license. 

That case involved a Dodge Charger stolen from Kentucky that fled from officers at speeds higher than 100 mph. A judicial commissioner set Chaney’s bond at $49,000 and he was later released from jail. The state issued a parole violation warrant due to those charges on March 20, according to NPD.