Paducah Man Arrested After Chase, Charges Pending Further Investigation On Victim Of Alleged Burglary

On 06/25/08 at 01:03 a.m. the McCracken County Sheriff Department was dispatched to 155 Strathmoor Blvd. in reference to a Burglary in progress. While units were responding to the location in question the suspects left in what was described as being a White in color Pontiac Bonneville. Deputies on North 13th Street that were responding to Strathmoor observed the vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop at the intersection of North 13th Street and Salem Street. The vehicle initially stopped and then accelerated. As the Bonneville took off it struck two different vehicles that were parked on the street, one of the vehicle were occupied. Thankfully no one was injured as a result of the drivers disregard to others safety as he was attempting to elude deputies.

A short chase ensued for approximately 3 blocks. At the intersection of Fern Street and North 11th Street the driver of the vehicle exited and attempted to flee on foot. Sheriff's deputies and detectives gave chase to the individual and subsequently subdued him on the front porch of 1603 North 11th Street. The driver was identified as being William A. Smith AKA "Fresh".

The vehicle was found to be occupied by (3) three additional male subjects. They were interviewed and released later at the Sheriff's Department. Detectives backtracked the route in which Mr. Smith took while attempting to evade law enforcement and located a 9mm semi automatic handgun and a set of digital scales that contained Marijuana residue on them. One of the magazines for the 9 mm was located on Smith's person.

Smith was arrested and taken to the McCracken County Regional Jail.

This incident is pending further investigation. Deputies determined that the residence had not been burglarized.

ARRESTED: Smith, William A 32 years of age

Of North 10th Street

CHARGES: Leaving The Scene Of An Accident / Failure To Render Aid Or Assistance

Operating A Motor vehicle On A Suspended License

Fleeing Or Evading Police 1st Degree (In A Motor Vehicle)

Fleeing Or Evading Police 2nd Degree (On Foot)

Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree

Possession Of A Firearm By A Convicted Felon

Tampering With Physical Evidence

During the course of investigating this incident detectives had noted a smell of burnt Marijuana about the victims person after he showed up where the vehicle chase ended. The victim was requested to come to the Sheriff's Department to allow detectives to further investigate. At the sheriff's department a Paducah Police K-9 detection dog was requested to check the victims vehicle. The K-9 alerted to the presence of a narcotic odor being presence inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle reveled a small quantity of Marijuana and text messaging on a cell phone that related to prescription pill trafficking. The victim of the alleged burglary, Eric Little, was currently on Felony Parole for drug trafficking. A female that was with Little at the time of the incident was identified as being Jennifer McDonald. Charges on Little and McDonald are currently pending further investigation for Possession Of Marijuana. The investigation revealed that Mr. Smith' purpose for going to Little's residence was to attempt to obtain illegal drugs according to statements that were obtained.

End Of Release

Det. Sgt. Matt Carter'

McCracken County Sheriff Department Drug Division