Hartford, KY. (August 4, 2020) –Sgt. Dewel Miller, of the Kentucky State Police Commercial Enforcement West Region, observed a 2020 Blue Kia Optima traveling 114 mph at 8:06 a.m. CT on Interstate 165 in Ohio County.
The operator of the passenger car disregarded Sgt. Miller’s emergency equipment, accelerating to high rate of speed continuing south on Internet 165. The operator continued to flee through Butler County into Warren County where units with KSP Post 3 Bowling Green and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement was able to deploy tire deflation devices ending the pursuit near the 8-mile marker. The operator, identified as 26 year-old Damian Howard of St. Louis, MO fled on foot into a wood line and then taken into custody. Howard is lodged in the Ohio Detention Center and charged with Speeding, Reckless Driving, Fleeing and Evading 1st, Wanton Endangerment 1st, Wanton Endangerment 1st (Police), Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Defacing a Firearm, Improper Lane Change and Failure to Signal.
A passenger in the vehicle 26 year-old Shadale Lewis of St. Louis, MO was cited and released for Possession of Marijuana.