Local News
Related Photos
-
Photo by DEAN MANNING
Man accused of theft, fleeing police runs out of gas
The long arm of the law reached out and grabbed a short-sighted thief when he ran out of gas while trying to flee from police.
In a regional effort by London Police, Laurel County Sheriff’s deputies, Corbin Police, Kentucky State Police, Williamsburg Police and Whitley County Sheriff’s deputies Friday afternoon, Earl Scott Stevens, 35, of Manchester, was arrested following the chase through London, south on U.S. 25 and onto Interstate 75 into Whitley County.
London Police were called to the Tractor Supply Store on KY 192 when a witness reported seeing Stevens take a power lawn trimmer and chain saw that were on display outside the store.
“The witness was from another business in town out on lunch, who knew Stevens from previous thefts,” London Police Lieutenant Stewart Walker said.
London Police Sergeant Kenny Jones initially responded, beginning pursuit of Stevens’ Ford Crown Victoria near the intersection of KY 363 and KY 192. As the pursuit turned south on U.S. 25, Jones lost site of the vehicle in the heavy traffic.
Police spread out on KY 229, U.S. 25 and through Levi Jackson State Park in an attempt to locate Stevens, while Laurel County Sheriff’s deputies and state police in the southern part of the county began working their way north.
Walker said deputies located Stevens near Hunter Hills Elementary School and continued the pursuit over the Cumberland Gap Parkway and south onto I-75.
Walker said Corbin Police, Williamsburg Police and Whitley County Sheriff’s deputies were contacted about the pursuit and were ready to assist as the chase moved through Whitley County. However, as Stevens neared the 20 mile marker, he began to slow down and eventually came to a stop and was taken into custody.
“The tow truck driver said it was out of gas,” Walker said of Stevens’ car.
Police recovered the trimmer and chain saw. Walker was still compiling the charges Friday, but said they would include driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, several counts of first-degree fleeing or evading police and receiving stolen property over $500. Stevens was lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center.
Staff writer Dean Manning may be reached at dmanning@sentinel-echo.com.
- Local News
-
-
‘A plaza of justice’
Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice John D. Minton describes Laurel County’s new judicial center as “a perfect addition to downtown London.”
-
As metal prices go up, so do thefts
Every few weeks for the past four months, property has disappeared from Robert Westerfield’s land. The thefts happen in broad daylight and, each time, different vehicles with different drivers show up to openly steal the items. When it happens, whether it’s an antique wood burning stove, an air compressor or an old welder that goes missing, Westerfield gets angry.
-
Looking for a bargain?
Promising bargains and kitsch, the East Ky. 80 yard sale kicked off Thursday, an event that is expected to snake along the highway for a whopping 26 miles.
-
Man arrested for peeping into teen girl’s window
After being caught reportedly peeping in the windows of a Ninth Street home, a London man was charged with voyeurism Sunday and taken to jail.
-
It's empty. Now what?
“What happened in Corbin will not happen in London” is the message Saint Joseph-London administrators want to make clear about the state of the now-vacant hospital on the hill.
-
New sign advertises vets’ parade
Thousands of people will now get the news about London’s Welcome Home parade and celebration for Vietnam veterans as they drive by on Interstate 75.
-
Man injured by boat propeller
A Berea fisherman is in stable condition after his legs were mangled by his boat propeller Thursday on Laurel River Lake.
-
Court approves property tax rates
Laurel County Fiscal Court voted Thursday to leave tax rates just the way they are.
-
Group seeks to improve lifestyle habits
With officials becoming increasingly concerned about the area’s health, a group of stakeholders has formed a new committee, “Creating a Healthier Laurel County.”
-
Tobacco time
Under the bright sun, Kevin Cornett slowly drove his tractor Wednesday as a line of tobacco plants marched over his head. Beside him, his brother Brent drove a tractor pulling a trailer on which the yellow-green plants collected.
- More Local News Headlines
-
