JOHNSON/MAGOFFIN/LAWRENCE COUNTIES – A three-county police chase ended on US 23 in Lawrence County after the motorcycle the man was driving broke down.
According to the arrest citation, on Friday, October 28 at approximately 5:40 p.m. Johnson County Sheriff Department Officer J. Castle attempted to conduct a traffic stop involving a motorcycle on KY Rt. 825 for no visible plates. The driver, identified as William V. Hicks, 40, of Sitka, KY, refused to stop, fleeing from police along Rt. 825, onto US 460 and into Magoffin County, where Magoffin County Sheriff Department joined the pursuit.
At some point, Hicks reportedly turned around and started heading east on US 460, turned onto KY 825, again, and then headed east on KY 40. He turned onto US 23, first heading south toward Floyd County, but changing direction before reaching Floyd and traveled north into Lawrence County.
Police reported that, during the pursuit, Hicks traveled at speeds of up to 133 MPH, reportedly showing “no regards for other traffic or the law enforcement officers in pursuit.” He continued to change lanes between vehicles and running off on the shoulder of the road in an attempt to evade police.
The pursuit finally ended in Lawrence County in front of the Tractor Supply store when the chain broke on Hicks’ motorcycle. After stopping, according to police, Hicks got off of the motorcycle and was taken into custody without further incident.
Police searched a backpack on the motorcycle, finding a plastic bag with a white, crystal substance, a plastic bag with a Suboxone pill and a strip, as well as a syringe.
Dispatch also advised law enforcement that Hicks had an active warrant out of Johnson County for fleeing or evading.
A wrecker service was called to retrieve the motorcycle and Hicks was transported to the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center, where he remains at press time, charged with the following: first-degree fleeing or evading police (motor vehicle); operating on a suspended or revoked operator’s license; first-degree possession of a controlled substance, first offense (methamphetamine); prescription of a controlled substance not in proper container, first offense; reckless driving, first-degree wanton endangerment of a police officer; driving DUI suspended license, first offense (aggravating circumstances); failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security, first offense; and improper display of registration plates.
Hicks was wanted out of Johnson County for a 2021 indictment case, where he is also facing charges of first-degree fleeing or evading police (motor vehicle); first-degree fleeing or evading police (on foot); operating on a suspended or revoked operator’s license; and resisting arrest.
A preliminary hearing was held yesterday in the newest case, and an arraignment in the 2021 case is slated for November 9, both being held in Johnson County courts.
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.
