LONDON, KY - Laurel County Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Laurel County Sheriff John Root and London City Police Chief Chuck Johnson are reporting two arrests on Hal Rogers Parkway approximately 4 miles west of London on Monday morning September 11, 2023 at approximately 9:30 AM.
The arrests occurred following a traffic pursuit which began on I-75 after a gray colored Mercedes-Benz R350 was observed traveling southbound at an excessive rate of speed.
The vehicle exited I-75 at Exit 41, nearly striking Laurel Sheriff's Deputy Allen Turner and London City Police Officer Brent France.
The vehicle traveled westbound on Hal Rogers Parkway at speeds over 90 MPH where it crossed over into the eastbound lane traveling in the wrong direction nearly striking a pickup head-on. The vehicle then lost control and slid around and off the roadway over an embankment striking a culvert filled with mud and water.
Scene of wrongway crash west of London, Kentucky
The female driver was immediately taken into custody and a male passenger who attempted to flee on foot was also taken into custody following a brief struggle with officers there.
Driver of fleeing vehicle, Hatli Marie Phelps with juvenile passengers
Investigators noted that there were five juveniles in the vehicle ranging in ages from two to 15 years old. It was determined through investigation that the male passenger that attempted to flee on foot was a wanted fugitive.
There were no injuries to anyone involved.
On scene investigation
The two arrested individuals were identified as: The driver, Hatli Marie Phelps age 41 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Daven Devonte Allen age 41 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the male passenger who attempted to flee on foot.
L to R: Hatli Marie Phelps and Daven Devonte Allen both of Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Hatli Phelps was charged with:
- Speeding more than 26 mph over the limit
- Reckless driving
- Fleeing or evading police – second-degree – motor vehicle
- Five counts of wanton endangerment – second-degree
- Two counts of wanton endangerment – second-degree – police officer is victim
Daven Devonte Allen (the male passenger who attempted to flee on foot) was charged with:
- Fleeing or evading police – second-degree – on foot
- Resisting arrest
- Fugitive from another state
These two individuals were lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center.
Mugshots of the accused are courtesy of Laurel County Correctional Center.
All other photos are from the Laurel County Sheriff's Office.
Assisting on the investigation were: DCBS (assisting with the children).
Assisting at the scene were:
Troopers from the Kentucky State Police Post 11 London, other Laurel County Sheriff's deputies and other London City Police officers, Swiss Colony Volunteer Fire Department Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County, London-Laurel Rescue Squad and Laurel County DPS.
