Three Arrested after Pursuit
All were lodged in the Hopkins County Detention Center.
Morton’s Gap, KY (Hopkins County) – On June 11, 2019 at approximately 10:00 AM, Trooper Rob Austin was approached by a citizen in reference to a suspicious vehicle at a New Lakeside General Baptist Church in Morton’s Gap.
While patrolling the area Trooper Austin observed a black Jeep Patriot matching the description of the suspicious vehicle. Trooper Austin initiated his emergency equipment to stop the vehicle, and the Jeep accelerated to flee. During the seventeen mile pursuit, KSP, the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Department, and the Madisonville Police Department were able to deploy tire deflation devices. The vehicle struck a tire deflation device causing the vehicle to become disabled on US 41, south of Nortonville.
The operator exited the vehicle, and began to flee on foot. KSP was able to apprehend the subject after a short foot pursuit. The operator was then identified as Robert Keown, age 45, of Madisonville, KY. Troopers discovered Keown to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine, suspected cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and a handgun.
There were also two passengers in the vehicle, Kali Vertigan, age 28, of Hopkinsville, KY, and Gevin Lemons, age 26, of Nortonville, KY. Vertigan had a bench warrant issued for her arrest, and Gevin was charged with AI. Both were lodged in the Hopkins County Detention Center.
Robert Keown was also lodged in the Hopkins County Detention Center where he was charged with the following:
1.) Fleeing or Evading Police 1st Degree (Motor Vehicle)
2.) Fleeing or Evading Police 2nd Degree (On Foot)
3.) DUI 1st
4.) Operating on Suspended or Revoked Operator’s License
5.) Possession of Handgun by Convicted Felon
6.) Possession of Controlled Substance 1st Degree, 1st Offense (Methamphetamine)
7.) Possession of Controlled Substance 1st Degree, 1st Offense (Cocaine)
8.) Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree- Police Officer
9.) Drug Paraphernalia- Buy/Possess
10.) Resisting arrest
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