On Monday, November 1, 2021, Prestonsburg 911 Center took a complaint from a motorist at a local grocery store that someone had hit their vehicle and fled the scene of the collision. Upon arrival, officers learned that a white older model Chevrolet S10 with a dropped tail-gate had hit the complainant’s vehicle, and other units were notified to attempt to locate the vehicle.
As the information was broadcast, Sgt. Jon Pack and Ptl. Dennis Hutchinson were on patrol near the Lake Drive and Court Street intersection when they observed a vehicle matching the given description. Ptl. Hutchinson attempted to make a traffic stop on the vehicle and it proceeded to flee north bound on Kentucky Route 1428/321. Ptl. Hutchinson and Sgt. Pack pursued the vehicle out of town toward Kentucky Route 3 and into Johnson County on Kentucky 321. Johnson County 911 was notified and Johnson County Sheriff’s Deputies intercepted the chase as it proceeded into Johnson County toward Paintsville in Hager Hill. As units approached Paintsville, Paintsville Police responded as well.
The vehicle proceeded through Paintsville toward Kentucky 40 on Kentucky 321. As the vehicle approached the Kentucky 40 intersection, the operator lost control of his vehicle and struck an embankment at the intersection near Walmart in Paintsville.
James J. Evans of Paintsville was arrested by Ptl. Hutchinson at the scene and transported back to Floyd County where he was admitted to Highlands ARH and transferred to Pikeville Medical Center for injuries sustained in the collision. Upon release, Evans will be charged with:
-Fleeing the scene of an accident
-Fleeing or evading Police, 1st Degree, Motor Vehicle
-Wanton Endangerment, 1st Degree
-Reckless Driving
-Speeding 26 MPH or greater over the limit
-Operating on a suspended or revoked operators license
-As well as a host of other violations.
This investigation remains under investigation by Ptl. D. Hutchinson who was assisted by Sgt. Jon Pack, Ptl. Josh Hinkle, Ptl. Shaun Little, Ptl. Jacob Chaffins, Chief Randy Woods, The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, and The Paintsville Fire and Police Departments.
Because of the vigilance of the victim in this case, we were able to observe for and locate the individual who had caused a substantial amount of damage to their vehicle, who otherwise very well could have gotten away with their crime. We encourage you to call and report any suspicious activity at 886-1010.