Multiple County Police Pursuit Ends with Man Facing Several Charges

A multi county pursuit ended in Lewis County after a 20 mile vehicle pursuit and a 100 yard foot chase.

Perry County Sheriff Nick Weems said that Perry County was notified by Lewis County that a Lewis County officer was in pursuit of a green Mitsubishi car, belonging to Justin Edwards, who had warrants for his arrest. Lewis County had terminated the pursuit on Hwy 48 at the county line.

Perry County Investigator Curt Mercer made contact with the vehicle on Hwy 13 near the Boyscout Camp Road, traveling north bound. Investigator Mercer and Deputy Alex Crowe then began pursuing the vehicle northbound. Lt. Duke was set up at Bethel Road to deploy spike strips, when the driver spotted him and did a u-turn and began traveling south bound toward Flatwoods.

Sheriff Weems said Wayne County was notified and asked to deploy spike strips at the county line. The vehicle proceeded into Wayne County after being spiked and turned on Hwy 48.

Perry County notified Lewis County that the pursuit was headed their direction. Lewis County officers then spiked the vehicle again but proceeded to travel Hwy 48 without fail. The vehicle was running on one tire and three rims, with multiple units following, the Sheriff said.

The vehicle then turned on Long Branch Road and traveled several more miles, until a Lewis County Deputy bumped the rear of the vehicle with his push bar, causing him to leave the roadway, into a field.

Sheriff Weems and Deputy Alex Crowe followed suit with the vehicle through the field, then drove into a wooded area, where the vehicle stalled out in a creek. The perpetrator, Justin Edwards, then fled on foot. Sheriff Weems gave chase through the creek for approximately 100 yards where the Sheriff and Deputy Crowe captured Edwards.

Edwards was turned over to Lewis County Sheriff's Deputies for charges. Edwards is now in custody at the Perry County Jail where he faces felony evading, reckless endangerment and reckless driving.

"I want to thank Wayne and Lewis Counties for their assistance and teamwork, in a situation that could have ended badly. Now, let's see what tomorrow brings," Sheriff Weems said.