Man tells police Burger King overcharged him before car crashes, catches fire near WKU

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – A Bowling Green man racked up eight charges Friday evening after allegedly driving recklessly near Western Kentucky University’s campus, causing his vehicle to crash and go up in flames.

Units with the Bowling Green Police Department responded to 499 University Boulevard in reference to a hit and run collision just before 8 p.m.

Several witnesses at the scene told police they saw a man exit a 2000 silver Nissan Xterra after crossing four lanes of oncoming traffic, nearly striking several vehicles, running over a curb, striking a pole, and causing the vehicle to catch fire.

The man was later identified as 26-year-old Wade M. Tate.

Tate fled on foot toward Nashville Road, according to an arrest citation.

Police gave Tate several commands to stop before they tased him, they said. He continued resisting arrest before police were able to detain him.

Witnesses at the scene told police Tate nearly struck their vehicles from the rear along University Drive. Tate then passed them, causing them to nearly run off the road. He also got in front of vehicles and slammed on his brakes.

Police noted in the citation witnesses told them Tate was also driving in the wrong direction on University Drive near Russellville Road.

Witnesses on a nearby sidewalk saw Tate get out of his vehicle before urinating in the area. He later told police he did that “to put the fire out.”

Police said Tate had a “blank 1,000 yard stare” when they first made contact with him. He appeared to be confused and called an officer his mother, the citation said.

Tate told police “they charged him for someone else’s order at Burger King and he was mad when asked why he was driving all over the roadway.”

He was ultimately charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence, first-degree criminal mischief, three counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, leaving the scene of an accident, resisting arrest and second-degree fleeing or evading police.

Tate remains lodged at the Warren County Regional Jail with a $5,000 cash bond.

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