A pursuit that started in Russell County ended in Adair County early Wednesday morning after the driver lost control of the vehicle and flipped in the ditch.
Russell County Sheriff Deputy Nick Bertram and Russell Springs Police Officer Nathan Bradshaw were on another call when they observed an orange colored two door car traveling on Lakeway Drive take a sudden turn off into a field just at the overpass of the Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Parkway. Deputy Bertram and Officer Bradshaw went to check on the vehicle and then observed it traveling in a circle in the field coming back onto Lakeway Drive.
Deputy Bertram attempted to stop the vehicle as the vehicle continued down Lakeway Drive and the driver led police on a chase that ended on Russell Creek hill in Adair County.
Stevie Peterson, 24, of Russell Springs, led police to the former Yarberry’s grocery where he turned back around towards Russell County, hit a pole, continued down the roadway and then lost control on the hill.
The chase lasted about 20 minutes total and covered 15-20 miles of roadway. Peterson was believed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Peterson was charged with fleeing/evading police, 1st degree-1st offense; operating motor vehicle under the influence, 1st offense, (Aggravator); three counts of wanton endangerment, 1st degree, on a police officer; criminal mischief, 2nd degree; disorderly conduct, 2nd degree; no operator’s license; failure of owner to maintain required insurance; expired registration; reckless driving and failure to wear seat belt.
Deputy Nick Bertram of the Russell County Sheriff’s Department is investigating. Peterson was checked out by Adair County EMS on the scene but refused treatment. Adair County Sheriff Department and Columbia Police Department assisted on the accident scene.
