Kentucky State Police Pursuit Ends in Arrest of Barren County Woman

TOMPKINSVILLE, Ky. (June 4, 2026) – Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers arrested a Barren County woman yesterday on several charges after a vehicle pursuit.

On June 3, 2026, just before 3:00 P.M. CST, a KSP trooper attempted to perform a traffic stop on a 2016 GMC Terrain on KY 163 at the Metcalfe/Monroe County line for speeding. The vehicle did not stop when the trooper activated his emergency equipment, and a pursuit ensued. Another trooper, positioned ahead of the pursuit, deployed a tire deflation device on KY 163 in an attempt to stop the vehicle, which successfully hit a front tire. However, the pursuit continued on KY 163 until it reached the Tompkinsville city limits, where the trooper terminated the pursuit. The vehicle continued traveling recklessly and at a high rate of speed south on KY 163 (North Main Street), and the trooper lost sight of it. At that time, the Tompkinsville Police Department (TPD) was notified to observe for the vehicle.

A short time later, TPD notified KSP that the vehicle had been involved in a collision at the intersection of KY 163 and Columbia Avenue near the Valero gas station. Troopers then responded to the area and launched an investigation into the collision. The investigation revealed that Amanda Sanchez, 36, of Cave City, had struck two vehicles on Columbia Avenue, causing one of them to strike a third vehicle. Two of the individuals in one vehicle were transported to the hospital with minor injuries and were later released.

Amanda Sanchez was arrested by Trooper Codie Ford and lodged in the Barren County Detention Center with the following charges:

• Speeding 26 MPH or more over
• DUI 2nd Offense
• Fleeing or Evading Police – 1st Degree (Motor Vehicle)
• Wanton Endangerment – 1st Degree (Police Officer) (2 Counts)
• Wanton Endangerment – 1st Degree 
• Driving DUI Suspended License
• Reckless Driving
• Failure to Wear Seat Belts
• Improper Passing

Trooper Ford continues the investigation of the pursuit, and the collision remains under investigation by Trooper Dean Lunz.

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