UPDATE: KSP arrests Madisonville man who stole a deputy’s police cruiser

Authorities have released the identity and charges lodged against a 25 year old man who led police say stole a deputy’s SUV and then led officers on a high-speed chase through three counties Thursday afternoon.

Kentucky State Police charged Bobby Barber of Madisonville with numerous charges after he was released Friday from St. Mary’s Hospital in Evansville for treatment of a gunshot wound to his chest.

According to state police, the crime spree began after Barber was seen slumped over on a 4-wheeler in front of a residence in Ohio County and a deputy stopped to check on him and went inside the house to check on him, at which time the 25 year old man fled from the home and jumped into the deputy’s patrol vehicle. KSP says as Barber started to take off the deputy struggled with him in an attempt to get him to stop and then pulled his revolver, and shot multiple times before Barber got away.

According to KSP, Barber then collided with a vehicle in McLean County near Livermore where he jumped out of the deputy’s SUV and then stole a Jeep from someone that had stopped to render aid. He then again reportedly fled the scene and was spotted in Madisonville where he was pursued by police behind the Tech Center where police say Barber jumped out of the vehicle and ran. He was later located by police in a cellar at a residence on Harland Avenue where he was apprehended by authorities.

Barber was lodged in the Henderson County Detention Center for a list of charges including Wanton Endangerment of a Police Officer, Fleeing Evading Police, Theft by Unlawful Taking Over $10,000, Burglary and other offenses. KSP indicates additional charges area likely.

KSP says the 18 year veteran of the Ohio County Sheriff’s Department, Sergeant Chris Matthews, fired his .40 caliber service weapon four times during the brief struggle inside the patrol vehicle, and has was placed on a two week paid administrative leave, which is protocol for most law enforcement agencies when an officer is involved in the use of force, specifically police related shootings.

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