LONDON, KY - Laurel County Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Laurel Sheriff's Deputy Bobby Roberts arrested Todd Burton age 56 of Hyden, KY on Saturday afternoon June 29, 2024 at approximately 3:38 PM.
The arrest occurred off East Laurel Rd., approximately 10 miles east of London after Deputy Roberts observed a Honda motorcycle with no license plate headed eastbound on East Laurel Rd. (Hwy-80).
Deputy Roberts activated his emergency equipment attempting a traffic stop however the driver of the motorcycle looked over his shoulder observing the police car and attempted to flee at a high rate of speed and driving in a very reckless manner.
The motorcycle nearly struck a Clay County Sheriff's office patrol vehicle in the opposing lane. The vehicle continued eastbound reaching speeds of 122 mph when the rear tire of the motorcycle began shredding causing the vehicle to slow down.
Deputy Roberts attempted to box the motorcycle in and was struck by the motorcycle before he was able to block the motorcycle in causing it to stop on the shoulder.
End of pursuit (Laurel County Sheriff's Office)
The driver attempted to flee on foot but was immediately taken into custody where it was determined he was under the influence and wanted on outstanding warrants.
The driver of the motorcycle stated the reason he fled was because he was under the influence and knew he had two active warrants.
Todd Burton was charged with:
- Speeding more than 26 miles over the speed limit
- Reckless driving
- Wanton endangerment – first-degree
- Fleeing or evading police – first-degree – motor vehicle
- Operating on suspended or revoked operator's license
- Resisting arrest
- Fleeing or evading police – second-degree – on foot
- No motorcycle operator's license
- Operating a motor vehicle under the influence – first offense
- Wanton endangerment – first-degree – police officer is victim
- Criminal mischief – second-degree.
In addition, the subject was charged on a Leslie County bench warrant of arrest charging:
- Failure to appear in court
In addition, this individual was charged on a second Leslie County bench warrant of arrest charging:
- Nonpayment of court costs/fines
This individual was lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center.
Photo of accused attached is courtesy of Laurel Correctional Center.
Assisting Deputy Roberts were for the Laurel County Sheriff's office: Deputy Noah Ritchie and Deputy Nate Bishop. Also assisting were: London City Police, Clay County Sheriff's office, and Clay County emergency medical services.
