Kentucky State Police Pursuit Leads to Multiple Arrests
Graham, Ky. (Muhlenberg County) – On November 18, 2020, around 7:47 PM, Trooper Justin Cornett, of Kentucky State Police Post 2, observed a 2015 Ford Fusion with improper registration plates on KY 175 in the Graham community.
Trooper Cornett activated his emergency equipment to initiate a traffic stop, but the suspect began to flee. The pursuit continued over 20 miles, until the fleeing vehicle became inoperable on KY 2385 in McLean County due to a flat tire. The operator, 36-year-old James Reeder, of Owensboro Ky., exited the vehicle and began to flee on foot, but was apprehended without incident. 35-year-old Ronald Chinn, of Newport, Ky., and 21-year-old Elizabeth Ratliff, of Henderson, Ky., were also apprehended without incident.
James Reeder was lodged in the Muhlenberg County Detention Center, where he was charged with Speeding 26 MPH or Greater over the Limit; Reckless Driving; Fleeing or Evading 1st Degree (Motor Vehicle); Driving DUI Suspended License- 2nd Offense (Aggravated Circumstances); Possession of Synthetic Drugs- 1st Offense; Possession of Controlled Substance, 2nd Degree- Drug Unspecified; and Failure to Wear Seatbelt. Reeder was also served with multiple Failure to Appear warrants out of Daviess County.
Ronald Chinn and Elizabeth Ratliff were also lodged in the Muhlenberg County Detention Center, where they were both charged with Possession of Synthetic Drugs- 1st Offense; Possession of Controlled Substance, 2nd Degree- Drug Unspecified; and Drug Paraphernalia- Buy/Possess. Elizabeth Ratliff was also served a warrant for Failure to Appear out of Daviess County.
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