Suspect at UK hospital following high-speed chase in stolen police car

 Laurel County Sheriff’s deputies ended a high-speed pursuit involving a stolen constable’s cruiser by shooting out a tire and spinning the car out early Sunday morning on U.S. 25 in north Corbin.

According to Sheriff John Root, the suspect, 18-year-old Donald Fox III of Fort Valley, Va. is currently at the University of Kentucky Medical Center but will be transported to the Laurel County Detention Center upon his release.

According to Root, the incident began just after midnight when area law enforcement was dispatched to a wreck at the intersection of U.S. 25 and U.S. 25E.

“Allegedly the vehicle that Fox was driving – a 1996 Toyota Camry was involved in a serious injury traffic crash there, after it ran a red light and struck a vehicle in the intersection, Root stated, noting the vehicle was later determined to be stolen out of Virginia. “Fox’s vehicle failed to stop at the crash site and travelled approximately two miles where it became disabled due to damage from the crash.”

Laurel County Constable Denver Mays arrived first and reported seeing a suspect, later identified as Fox, run around a nearby building.

Mays gave chase, but the suspect circled the building, jumped into Mays’ cruiser and fled the scene travelling north on U.S. 25 toward London.

Kentucky State Police Division of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer Mikey Hamblin caught up to the vehicle and initiated pursuit, reaching speeds up to 100 mph.

Root stated Deputy Mikey Ashurst joined the pursuit approximately five miles south of London and London Police were waiting at the intersection of U.S. 25 and Ky. 1006 (outside of Levi Jackson State Park) to deploy spike strips.

Fox could overhear the conversation concerning the spike strips on the police radio in the cruiser. Instead of continuing north, Fox made a sudden right turn onto Fairston Road.

“At his point Deputy Ashurst attempted a pit maneuver on the vehicle however the suspect regained control and travelled back southbound on U.S. 25 travelling more than 128 mph,” Root stated, noting Fox drove in the opposing lane at time to pass vehicles including a Laurel County ambulance.

As the chase approached north Corbin, Root stated Fox suddenly stopped and Ashurst was able to get his cruiser in front of the stolen vehicle to block it in.

“Deputy Ashurst exited his police cruiser and at this time the suspect accelerated driving his vehicle toward Deputy Ashurts almost striking him,” Root stated, noting Ashurst pulled his weapon and fired three shots into one of the car’s rear tires.

Even with one bad tire, Root stated that Fox continued south on U.S. 25. As the car neared the intersection with U.S. 25E the tire blew out. However, the vehicle continued on riding on the rim.

Ashurst struck the rear of the vehicle in a second pit maneuver, disabling the vehicle.

Fox jumped out of the passenger side door and fled over a guardrail. Ashurst deployed his Tazer and Fox was taken into custody.

“The subject was determined to be under the influence and told officers he would have done whatever it took to elude police,” Root stated.

In addition to the stolen car, Root stated Fox is wanted in Virginia in connection with a wreck that involved the death or serious injury of another person.

Fox has been charged in Laurel County with second-degree fleeing or evading police – on foot, speeding more than 26 mph over the limit, leaving the scene of an accident, first-degree wanton endangerment, theft by unlawful taking – motor vehicle, first-degree fleeing or evading police – motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs, attempted murder of a police officer, resisting arrest, second-degree criminal mischief and driving on a suspended/revoked operator’s license.

Fox was initially taken to St. Joseph London for treatment of his injuries and then transferred to UK.

Officials at UK said they had no information on Fox.