A stabbing on Stoney Point Road in Bourbon County set off a frantic, multi-county police pursuit that ended when the suspect's vehicle crashed on Paris Pike in Montgomery County, according to authorities. The chase ran through Clark, Bourbon and Montgomery counties before returning toward Bourbon County, where officers managed to stop the fleeing driver, who was then taken into custody.
According to The Mt. Sterling Advocate, the pursuit began after an alleged stabbing on Stoney Point Road in Bourbon County and ended when the suspect wrecked his vehicle on Paris Pike in Montgomery County. Montgomery County Sheriff David Charles told the paper that his office was asked to assist with the pursuit, which also involved Paris police. He described the suspect as a dangerous fleeing felon with a total disregard for people's lives. Three vehicles, including one police cruiser, were damaged during the chase.
WKYT reported that the stabbing happened earlier on Stoney Point Road in Bourbon County and that the male suspect left the scene before Winchester Police Chief Travis Thompson authorized officers to pursue the suspect's vehicle as it headed toward Winchester on Highway 627, according to WKYT. The station reported that the chase continued into Montgomery County, where deputies managed to disable the vehicle before the suspect was arrested.
Chase Crossed Several County Lines
Lex 18 reported that multiple agencies responded to a 42-minute pursuit through multiple counties; Paris and Mt. Sterling police were among the responding agencies, according to Lex 18. The outlet reported that the suspect fled after officers attempted a traffic stop and led police through the counties before the pursuit was ended with a PIT maneuver near the Montgomery-Bourbon County line. The Advocate reported separately that the route went through Clark, Bourbon and Montgomery counties, then back toward Bourbon County, and that the suspect allegedly stole a vehicle during the pursuit. The Advocate's report said his name had not been immediately released at the time.
Charges and booking details have been reported differently across outlets. Lex 18's report said the suspect, whom it identified as Juan Garcia, was booked on charges including murder, first-degree assault and first-degree criminal mischief. WKYT identified the suspect in its report as Juan Garcia Ponce and said he was being held without bond in the Bourbon County Detention Center, while the Advocate's earlier report said the suspect was booked in the Bourbon County Regional Jail.
Victim's Death, Suspect's Identity Still Unsettled
WKYT's reporting indicated the stabbing victim later died from the injuries sustained in the attack, though further details about the victim have not been reported. The Advocate noted in its initial report that details concerning the alleged stabbing were unavailable at the time of publication and said it plans to provide more information when it becomes available.
Lex 18 identified the suspect as Juan Garcia, while WKYT identified him as Juan Garcia Ponce.
