Lily man charged with assaulting state trooper

A Lily man who allegedly rammed his truck into a Kentucky State Police cruiser as he attempted to elude police late Thursday night has been charged with first-degree assault on a police officer as Trooper Steve Walker was inside at the time.

Twenty-year-old William T. Karr is being held in the Laurel County Detention Center on a $25,000 cash bond following the incident that Walker states began when he noticed that Karr’s Chevrolet Silverado had no working tail lights about 11:30 p.m.

Walker stated in the arrest report that he saw the truck turn from Ky. 552 in Lily onto Underpass Road. Walker followed and attempted to initiate a traffic stop on Lily School Road near the intersection with U.S. 25.

“Blue lights were activated and subject accelerated and sped through the intersection without stopping for a stop sign,” Walker stated.

Walker said the pursuit continued onto Slate Ridge Road, VanZant Road, Roy McHargue Road, and Echo Valley Road before turning into an open field.

“The vehicle crossed around this field for about one-half mile and re-entered the roadway on Slate Ridge Church Road,” Walker stated. “During this pursuit, the operator drove through stop signs, rounded blind curves on the wrong side of the roadway, fish-tailed the vehicle multiple times because of unsafe speeds.

As the chase approached the intersection of Slate Ridge Church Road and Echo Valley Road, Walker said Karr lost control of the truck, crossed the roadway and landed in a ditch.

“The subject then backed the vehicle and rammed the front of the cruiser,” Walker stated. “He then drove forward traveling completely into the ditch.”

Walker got out of the cruiser and ordered Karr out of the truck.

“The subject then backed up his vehicle a second time almost striking the officer and striking the state police cruiser a second time,” Walker stated. “The subject exited the vehicle with his hands up and repeatedly stated ‘don’t beat me.’”

Walker stated that he ordered Karr to get on the ground, but Karr refused and attempted to run.

Walker grabbed Karr by the shirt and a struggle ensued.

“The subject was chased on foot for approximately one-half mile into a wooded area where he was lost,” Walker stated.

Law enforcement secured the area and a search was conducted. Karr was later found at his grandfather’s home on Echo Valley Road and taken into custody.

Walker stated that Karr showed multiple signs of being under the influence including glassy eyes and dilated pupils. When asked if he was intoxicated, Karr reportedly admitted to using methamphetamine earlier, adding that he needed help with his drug problem.

When asked why he had run, Karr reportedly told Walker that he was just trying to get home.

In addition to the assault charge, Karr has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, first-degree wanton endangerment of a police officer, first-degree fleeing or evading a police officer in a motor vehicle, first-degree fleeing or evading police on foot, no tail lamps, no registration plates, no insurance, disregarding a stop sign and resisting arrest.

Karr pleaded not guilty to the charges Friday in Laurel District Court. He is scheduled to return to court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is probable cause to present the case to a Laurel County grand jury.