Hit-and-run crash leads to police chase in Prestonsburg, Paintsville

By TONY FYFFE

BSN Editor

PAINTSVILLE — A Johnson County man was arrested last week following a police chase that began in Prestonsburg and ended when he crashed his vehicle in Paintsville.

James J. Evans of Paintsville required medical treatment following the Nov. 1 incident that began when he struck a vehicle in Prestonsburg and left the scene.

The Prestonsburg 911 Center received a call Nov. 1 from a motorist at a local grocery store who said someone had hit their vehicle and fled the scene, according to a release from the Prestonsburg Police Department.

“Upon arrival, officers learned that a white older model Chevrolet S10 with a dropped tail-gate had hit the complainant's vehicle, and other units were notified to attempt to locate the vehicle,” the release said.

Sgt. Jon Pack and Ptl. Dennis Hutchinson of the Prestonsburg department were on patrol near the Lake Drive and Court Street intersection when they observed a vehicle matching the description, the release said. Hutchinson attempted to make a traffic stop on the vehicle, which proceeded to flee north bound on Rt. 1428/321, the release said.

“Ptl. Hutchinson and Sgt. Pack pursued the vehicle out of town toward Kentucky Route 3 and into Johnson County on Kentucky 321,” the release said. “Johnson County 911 was notified and Johnson County Sheriff's Deputies intercepted the chase as it proceeded into Johnson County toward Paintsville in Hager Hill. As units approached Paintsville, Paintsville Police responded as well.”

The vehicle proceeded through Paintsville toward Rt. 40 on Rt. 321. As the vehicle approached the Rt. 40 intersection, the operator lost control and struck an embankment at the intersection near Walmart in Paintsville, the release said.

The driver, Evans, was arrested by Hutchinson at the scene and transported back to Floyd County, where he was admitted to Highlands ARH and transferred to Pikeville Medical Center for injuries sustained in the collision.

Upon release, Evans was charged with fleeing the scene of an accident, first-degree fleeing or evading police (motor vehicle), first-degree wanton endangerment, reckless driving, speeding 26 miles per hour over the limit and operating on a suspended or revoked license, as well as a host of other violations.

Hutchinson, who is investigating the incident, was assisted by Pack, patrolmen Josh Hinkle, Shaun Little and Jacob Chaffins, and Chief Randy Woods of the Prestonsburg Police Department, the Johnson County Sheriff's Office, and the Paintsville fire and police departments.

“Because of the vigilance of the victim in this case, we were able to observe for and locate the individual who had caused a substantial amount of damage to their vehicle, who otherwise very well could have gotten away with their crime,” the release said. “We encourage you to call and report any suspicious activity at 886-1010.”