ELK CREEK – A police chase through West US 460, Elk Creek, and even a cemetery, before ending on foot in an Elk Creek yard.
According to the arrest citation, Magoffin County Sheriff Department Deputy N. Watson was patrolling on Elk Creek Road on May 21 when he observed the driver of a Kia Sportage driving the opposite direction, reportedly covering his face when he saw police.
Deputy Watson turned and started following the car, driven by Matthew Joseph, 36, of Salyersville, following approximately one mile along US 460 before turning on his lights at the junction of Gifford Road and US 460. When Joseph failed to stop, the officer also activated his siren, with Joseph pulling over at the Calvary Church.
As Watson approached the vehicle, Joseph reportedly sped off, according to the police report.
Watson pursued Joseph as he reached speeds of 103 on US 460, passing cars on a double yellow line, in curves, and was reportedly all over the road, according to the citation. Joseph made an abrupt turn back onto Elk Creek, returning to the residence of the car’s owner, but continuing to flee police by driving over a large decorative rock, through a ditch, up an embankment behind a barn located on the property, around the barn and stopping the vehicle on a small cemetery.
Joseph fled the vehicle, running up a nearby hill, with Deputy Watson running after him. He reportedly ran back down the hill, onto the road, attempting to make it to the front yard of the residence, when Deputies D. Watson, Lafferty, and Salyer arrived on scene, and the four officers apprehended Joseph in the yard.
Joseph was taken to the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center, where he remains at press time, facing the following charges: speeding 26 mph or more over the speed limit; first-degree wanton endangerment of a police officer; first-degree fleeing or evading police (motor vehicle); first-degree fleeing or evading police (on foot); reckless driving; violating graves; improper use of left lane-overtaking vehicle; improper passing; and failure to produce insurance card.
Editor’s Note: The indictment or charge of a person by a grand jury or otherwise is an accusation only and that person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
