To: All News Agencies

From: Det. Sgt. Matt Carter

Date: October 17, 2007

Re: Three Paducah men arrested on numerous charges after chase ensued in Lone Oak

The McCracken County Sheriff's Departments Drug Division had been investigating drug complaints and seeking the driver of a vehicle that lead detectives on a chase in Lone Oak.

On Wednesday evening October 17, 2007 at 18:25 drug detectives with the McCracken County Sheriff's Department conducted an undercover operation which involved purchasing Cocaine from Joshua H. Hill of Lone Oak. The cocaine purchase took place on the parking lot of the Lone Oak Manor Apartments which are located at 650 College Avenue. After the purchase was made several detectives approached the vehicle in attempts to effect an arrest on Mr. Hill for trafficking in Cocaine along with outstanding McCracken County arrest warrants. Upon the detectives approaching the vehicle and identifying themselves as police officers the driver of the 2001 Ford Taurus accelerated nearly striking some of the officers and proceeded in bound on College Avenue towards Lone Oak. Additional officers were making efforts to prevent a vehicle pursuit leading onto Lone Oak Road Mr. Hill nearly hit a police cruiser head on before he veered off the roadway. The vehicle then sped across several yards which ultimately lead police into the back yard of 3125 Kansas Street. At this point the driver of the vehicle exited the car while it was still in motion and attempted to flee on foot, leaving two passengers inside the vehicle. The driver, Mr. Hill, was then subsequently subdued along with two additional passengers that were in the vehicle.

The front seat passenger was identified as Joshua E. Williams of North 26th Street. Mr. Williams had conducted the hand to hand Cocaine transaction during the operation. The investigation showed that Mr. Williams actions were directed by Hill. The back seat was occupied by Chauncy J. Kelly of McGuire Avenue.

There was a very strong smell of burnt Marijuana inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed an additional quantity of Cocaine along with Marijuana, open alcoholic beverages, and items of drug paraphernalia.

A search of Mr. Hill's person revealed several hundred dollars in US currency, some of which was money that had been accrued from Cocaine sells.

"The driver of this vehicle showed no concern for the safety of others. His actions were completely erratic. Every officer involved in this operation responded in a precise appropriate manner that ultimately lead to the suspects being apprehended without injury or property damage." Det. Sgt. Matt Carter

All three occupants were arrested and transported to the McCracken County Jail.

ARRESTED: Hill, Joshua B. 18 years of age

Of Jason Circle

CHARGES: Trafficking In A Controlled Substance 1st Degree (Cocaine)

Fleeing Or Evading Police In The First Degree

Possession Of A Controlled Substance In The First Degree (Cocaine)

Possession Of Marijuana Under 8 Ounces

Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia 1st Offense

Driving On A Suspended Drivers License

Operating A Motor Vehicle Under The Influence Of Alcohol/Drugs First Offense Under 21 Years Of Age

Refusing To Submit To A Breath Test

(2) Two Counts Of Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree

Possession Of An Alcoholic Beverage By A Minor

Possession Of An Open Alcoholic Beverage In a Motor Vehicle

(3) Three Outstanding McCracken County Arrested Warrants

ARRESTED: Williams, Joshua E. 18 years of age

Of North 26th street

CHARGES: Trafficking In A controlled Substance 1st Degree (Cocaine)

Possession Of A Controlled Substance 1st Degree (Cocaine)

Possession Of Marijuana Under 8 Ounces

Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia 1st Offense

Possession Of An Alcoholic Beverage By A Minor

Possession Of An Open Alcoholic Beverage In a Motor Vehicle

ARRESTED: Kelly, Chauncy J. 27 years of age

Of McGuire Avenue

CHARGES: Possession Of Marijuana Under 8 Ounces

Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia 2nd Offense

Possession Of An Open Alcoholic Beverage In a Motor Vehicle

The passenger, Mario Johnson, had an active McCracken County arrest warrant. The driver given standardized field sobriety test and was subsequently arrested.

A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 1/2 ounce of processed Marijuana along with scales, drug paraphernalia, slap jack (leather coated steel that is similar to a night stick), and several hundred dollars in US currency.

Mr. Hernandez later admitted that he was a Marijuana trafficker. Both individuals were arrested and transported to the McCracken County Regional Jail.

ARRESTED: Hernandez, Jakob Z. 19 years of age

Of Smithland

CHARGES: Operating A Motor Vehicle Under The Influence Of Alcohol/Drugs First Offense

Trafficking In Marijuana Under 8 Ounces

Possession Of Marijuana Under 8 Ounces

Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia 1st Offense

Carrying A Concealed Deadly Weapon

ARRESTED: Johnson, Mario L. 18 years of age

Of Grogan Circle

CHARGES: Contempt Of Court

Possession Of Marijuana Under 8 Ounces

End Of Release

Det. Sgt. Matt Carter

McCracken County Sheriff Department Drug Division