Editor’s Note: The Tennessee Highway Patrol previously reported two people were killed in this crash. That has since been corrected.

PORTLAND, Tenn. (WKRN) — One person died and another was taken into custody following a crash in Sumner County.

It happened shortly before 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 26 in Portland, according to officials

Authorities said they responded to the scene on Route 109 near Longview Drive, finding two vehicles with heavy damage. Both drivers were injured in the crash.

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Following the preliminary investigation, Portland Police said they determined a Chevrolet Impala driven by William Swafford ran a red light at the intersection and hit a Nissan Altima on the driver’s side. The Altima was then pushed into a Sumner County EMS ambulance that was stopped at the light.

Police told News 2 Wednesday evening the driver of the Nissan was taken to Skyline Medical Center in “very critical” condition.

However, on Thursday, April 27, Portland officials announced the Nissan driver — identified as 45-year-old Melinda Alexander Gurley of Portland — had died from her injuries.

Meanwhile, Swafford was taken to Sumner Regional Medical Center, where he was treated and released, but nobody in the ambulance suffered injuries, authorities said.

After treatment, police said Swafford was taken into custody and transported to the Sumner County Jail. He is facing a long list of charges, including:

  • Driving under the influence (second offense)
  • Assault on an officer (two counts)
  • Resisting stop, halt, and frisk
  • Reckless endangerment
  • Failure to exercise due care
  • Failure to obey a traffic control device

Officials said speed and alcohol are both believed to have been factors in the crash.

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Swafford is due in court on May 10. His bond amount has not been released.

The Portland Police Department still investigating the crash, saying that more charges are still possible.