SOMERSET, KY - According to the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Bobby Jones is reporting that a Somerset man is in custody following a pursuit in Pulaski County.
The incident began when Detective Lieutenant Daryl Kegley and Detective Tan Hudson observed a white Cadillac in the parking lot of the Pulaski County Judicial Center. Detectives recognized the driver, Brenton Helton, age 28, of Somerset, as the operator of the vehicle.
Detectives were familiar with Helton and were aware he was wanted on a Parole Violation warrant.
The Detectives pulled in front of Helton’s vehicle, approached it and identified themselves.
Helton placed the vehicle in reverse and accelerated backwards out of the parking space, between other vehicles, nearly striking a female walking through the parking lot.
Detectives activated their emergency equipment, however Helton refused to obey commands to stop.
Helton turned onto South Central Avenue and traveled South to the intersection of East Bourne Avenue. Detectives continued to pursue Helton down East Bourne, Jarvis Avenue, and onto Highway 914.
During the pursuit, Helton disregarded numerous traffic laws.
When the pursuit turned on 914, Helton reached speeds over 90 MPH. Detectives observed Helton pass a vehicle on the shoulder of the road, nearly losing control, due to the snow on the shoulders. Detectives terminated the pursuit due to the road hazards and Helton’s disregard for public safety. Helton was last observed turning on Dry Branch Road.
A short time later, Deputies David Campbell, Ronnie Golden, and Noah Dishman, located the Cadillac abandoned in the Thunder Mountain area of Dry Branch Road.
Deputies attempted to track Helton through the snow, canvassed the neighborhood, spoke to homeowners in the area and also searched a barn near the scene, however, were unable to locate Helton.
On Thursday January 18, 2024, Detective Kegley received a call from the U.S. Marshals Service stating they had information Helton was in a residence on Nevels Grocery Road in McCreary County.
The U.S. Marshals, the Mccreary County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division went to the residence.
The U.S. Marshal’s Service and the McCreary County Sheriff’s Office were able to locate Helton inside of the residence, where he was taken into custody.
Brenton Helton was charged with the following:
- Parole Violation (Pulaski Circuit Court Warrant)
Helton was also served a Pulaski District Court warrant, with the following charges that stemmed from the pursuit:
- Fleeing or Evading Police, 1st Degree (Motor Vehicle)
- Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree3. Speeding 26 MPH or > Speed Limit
- Disregarding Stop Sign
- Reckless Driving
- Failure to or Improper Signal
- Following Another Vehicle Too Closely
- Improper Turning
- Operating on Suspended or Revoke Operators License
Helton was transported to and lodged at the Pulaski County Detention Center.
Photo of the accused is courtesy of the Pulaski County Detention Center.
The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend its appreciation to the U.S. Marshal’s Service and the McCreary County Sheriff’s Office for helping locate and capture this individual.
Sheriff Bobby Jones asks if you have any information about drug activity or any crime to contact our tip line at 606-679-8477. You can remain anonymous. You can also leave a tip on our webpage at PulaskiSheriff.com.
