A man wanted for armed robbery in Kentucky was arrested after a high-speed chase through Tipton and Lauderdale counties. The suspect, 33-year-old Joseph Bradley Gurley, was caught when he tried to avoid spike strips but ended up crashing his car into a ravine, according to Sheriff Shannon Beasley post on Facebook.
The chase started early in the morning after police got a tip about the suspect being in the area. When they spotted his car, deputies began the pursuit. Officers worked together and used spike strips to try and stop him safely. However, Gurley tried to escape and ended up crashing, which brought the chase to an end. "This was great teamwork by all the law enforcement agencies this morning by locating and pursuing this violent, wanted felon," Sheriff Shannon Beasley said in a statement posted on Facebook.
Gurley, a local or perhaps former resident of Tipton County, now faces multiple charges, including Felony Evading Arrest, Felony Reckless Endangerment, Reckless Driving, and Driving on a Suspended Driver's License. The chase not only solidified his charges in Tennessee but will also lead to his extradition back to Kentucky, to face the initial charges of Armed Robbery and Auto Theft. At present, Gurley is being detained at the Tipton County jail on a $250,000 bond and is scheduled to appear before General Sessions Judge M.O. Eckel on September 16, as reported by the Sheriff Shannon Beasley.
The suspect's rap sheet is extensive, with a history of various crimes such as Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Burglary, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Drug Possession, Fraud, and Theft. In a somewhat tongue-in-cheek remark, Sheriff Beasley welcomed Gurley back to the county, suggesting he might as well get comfortable with the amenities offered by the county jail. The Sheriff Shannon Beasley's post concluded with a bit of irony: "Welcome home, Mr. Gurley, we are glad to have you... sit back and enjoy your stay in our fine establishment!"
