Man with Two Prior DUI Convictions Now Faces Vehicular Homicide by Intoxication Charge

Update: Jason Treat, 35, is now charged with vehicular homicide by intoxication after his release from the hospital.

Jason Dale Treat, 35, will be charged with vehicular homicide by intoxication after Saturday’s 1 a.m. two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Lebanon Pike and Jackson Downs Boulevard that claimed the life of his front seat passenger, Vanessa Schmidt, 35, of Nashville.

The preliminary investigation shows that Treat was driving his 2017 Mazda 3 sedan west on Lebanon Pike when he attempted to turn left onto Jackson Downs Boulevard and was struck in the passenger side by the driver of an eastbound Honda Pilot. The lights were flashing yellow for east and westbound traffic on Lebanon Pike, with Treat failing to yield to the Honda SUV. Schmidt died at the scene. Treat and the driver of the Honda sustained non-life threatening injuries.

Responding officers reported that Treat smelled strongly of alcohol. An open beer bottle was found on the Mazda driver’s floorboard. A loaded gun was also recovered from the Mazda. Upon his release from the hospital, in addition to vehicular homicide, Treat will be charged with vehicular assault and possession of a firearm while intoxicated. He has two prior DUI convictions.