During the arrest, the driver was found in possession of a syringe and suspected methamphetamine
Laurel County, KY - Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Laurel Sheriff's Deputy Daniel Grigsby arrested Matthew N. Powell age 37 of Lillian Lane, London on Thursday morning August 2, 2018 at approximately 9:13 AM.
The arrest occurred in Manchester city limits in Clay County following a vehicle pursuit that began in Laurel County after Deputy Grigsby was dispatched to a complaint of a suspicious vehicle in a cemetery off H.B. Smith Road off Old Way Road approximately 4 miles east of London at 8:52 AM.
When Deputy Grigsby arrived at the scene he located a gray colored Mitsubishi Eclipse parked in the cemetery and as he approached the vehicle on foot, the subject driving the vehicle fled the scene turning onto Ky. 472 headed eastbound toward Clay County.
The vehicle failed to stop reaching speeds of over 110 mph, passing vehicles on double yellow lines fleeing into Clay County where Kentucky State Police assisted on the pursuit into Manchester city limits, they were then assisted by the Manchester City Police and the Clay County Sheriff's Office before the vehicle stopped in a grassy embankment after losing control making a turn.
The suspect fled over a grass embankment where Deputy Grigsby briefly scuffled with the suspect before taking him into custody.
During the pursuit the suspect vehicle slammed its brakes on several times attempting to cause Laurel Sheriff's Deputy Grigsby to wreck.
During the arrest, the driver was found in possession of a syringe and suspected methamphetamine.
Matthew N. Powell was charged with fleeing or evading police – first-degree – motor vehicle; fleeing or evading police – first-degree – on foot; wanton endangerment – first-degree - police officer is victim; operating a motor vehicle under the influence – first offense; speeding more than 26 mph over the limit; reckless driving; failure to wear seatbelts; driving too fast for traffic conditions; resisting arrest; possession of drug paraphernalia; no registration plates; failure of non-owner operator to maintain required insurance – first offense; improper passing; failure to register transfer of motor vehicle and other violations. This individual was lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center.
Pictured is the arrest scene.
Photo of the accused was not yet available when this report was published.
Also assisting for Laurel Sheriff's office was: Capt. Kevin Berry, Lieut. Greg Poynter, Detective Sgt. Chris Edwards, Sgt. Brett Reeves, Deputy Brad Mink, Detective Gary Mehler, Detective James Sizemore, and Deputy Gilbert Acciardo.
