KSP NEWS RELEASE
(LaCenter, Ky.) – Trooper Adams Jones was on routine patrol in Ballard County when he attempted to stop a red Chevrolet Blazer in LaCenter, on Wednesday October 28, 2015 at approximately 11:50 P.M. for not having a visible registration plate. The vehicle stopped briefly at the corner of Olive and First Street, then fled from the Trooper. Trooper Adams followed the vehicle to US 60 where he initiated a pursuit. Two Ballard County Deputies and SGT Tony Dunker with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife joined in the pursuit. The vehicle traveled west on US 60 and went through Barlow. The vehicle attempted to elude the pursuing officers by turning on Holloway Landing Road. The vehicle made an abrupt U turn and struck a Ballard County Deputy’s cruiser and Fish and Wildlife vehicle before colliding with a tree. The driver was taken into custody without any further incidents and identified as Charles E. Watts, 50 of Louisville, KY.
Watts was lodged in the Ballard County Detention center and charged with four counts of Wanton Endangerment of Police Officer, Operating Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of alcohol/drugs second offense with aggravating circumstances, Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd degree, Prescription not in Proper Container, Possession of an Open Alcohol Container in Motor Vehicle, Failure of Owner to Maintain Insurance, Operating on a Suspended or Revoked Operator’s License, No Registration Plate, Speeding greater than 26 MPH, Reckless Driving, five counts of Disregarding Stop Sign, Disregarding Traffic Control Device, and two counts of Criminal Mischief 1st degree. Watts was also served an arrest warrant out of Hardin County for Failure to Appear.
The Kentucky State Police was assisted on the scene by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Ballard County Sheriff’s Department. The investigation is continuing by Trooper Adam Jones.