Somerset, Ky. (July 11, 2018) – On Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at approximately 3:37 PM, Kentucky State Police Post 11, London received a call from the Somerset Police Department requesting assistance on a fatal collision that occurred after a vehicle pursuit that was initiated by a Science Hill Police Officer, at the intersection of South US HWY 27 and Adams Street in Somerset Pulaski County.
Upon arrival Kentucky State Police Detectives learned that a Science Hill Police Officer had observed a 2007 Pontiac G6 operating in a reckless manner traveling southbound on US HWY 27. The Officer activated his emergency equipment in an attempt to stop the vehicle. The operator later identified as Steven O Vanhook, 33, of Eubank, KY refused to stop.
A vehicle pursuit was initiated and Vanhook continued traveling south on US HWY 27 at a high rate of speed for several miles until he struck a 1997 Nissan pickup truck traveling southbound operated by Dylan B. Snow, 18, of Kings Mountain, KY.
After the initial impact Snow’s vehicle then rear-ended a 2017 ford Explorer Police vehicle that was stopped at the traffic light at the intersection of US HWY 27 and Adams Street, being operated by Department of Homeland Security Police Officer Thomas Armstrong, 57, of Somerset.
The Science Hill Police Officer was not involved in the collision.
Officer Armstrong, who was not involved in the pursuit was transported to the Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital with minor injuries.
Vanhook and Snow was pronounced dead at the scene by the Pulaski County Coroner’s Office.
KSP Detective and Traffic Crash Reconstructionist Dackery Larkey is continuing the investigation. He was assisted at the scene by Troopers from Post 11, Somerset Police Department, Pulaski County EMS, Pulaski County Rescue Squad, Somerset Fire Department and Pulaski County Coroner’s Office.
