The McCracken County Sheriff's Department received a call this date at approximately noon for assistance from Massac County Sheriff Department. Massac County Sheriff's Department received a call at 11:40am from a female home owner on Waldo Church Road in Massac County stating that she was at home and someone had broken into her residence and was going through her jewelry box. The caller was able to provide the Massac County dispatcher of a suspect and vehicle description as the suspect was leaving. Massac County Deputy Ted Holder stated he observed the suspect vehicle on Illinois 145 at 11:50am approximately 100 yards from the victim's residence. Deputy Holder was able to get behind the suspect vehicle and initiated his emergency equipment. The suspect sped off leading Massac County deputies on a lenghthy pursuit. The suspect ramped on I-24 at the 37 mile marker in Illinois and proceeded westbound for approximately 7 miles until the suspect crossed the median and proceeded back eastbound on I-24. The suspect continued on I-24 and crossed into Kentucky. McCracken County Deputy Sheriff David Shepherd joined the pursuit. The suspect exited I-24 at exit 3 in McCracken County, leading Massac and McCracken deputies west on Cairo Road for a short distance. The suspect turned onto Olivet Church Road and turned into the shopping complex where Kohls department store is located. The suspect lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a wood fence behind "Wing Stop" that is in the same complex as Kohls. The suspect fled on foot and as he jumped the wood fence, dropped a large caliber pistol which was recovered by deputies. The suspect ran east towards the mall area and was last seen near the Cinemark Theatres.

The suspect was identified as Brian Eugene Ferguson, 34 years of age from Murray, KY. (See attached photo). Mr. Ferguson is still at large and considered extremely dangerous and is more than likely still in the area of Kentucky Oaks Mall or areas north of the Mall (Cairo Road and Meredith Road area.) Even though a weapon was recovered, Mr. Ferguson could still possibly be armed.

Mr. Ferguson is wanted in McCracken County for 2 counts of felony fleeing and evading police, 1 count of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, and wanton endangerment 1st degree (this charge stems from a near collision with a civilian vehicle on the I-24 bridge, apparently the driver swerved to avoid the suspect and struck several traffic cones on the bridge.) There are pending charges in Massac County as well. I am not sure exactly what they are at time of this press release.

Paducah Police Department, Paducah Police K-9, and Dr. Blaine Grow assisted with search for Mr. Ferguson. Dr. Blaine Grow assisted the McCracken County Sheriff's Department by piloting Chief Deputy Mike Turnbow over the area in his private helicopter.

Anyone with information on where Brian Eugene Ferguson is located is urged to call the McCracken County Sheriff's Department at (270) 444-4719 or 911 if an emergency. Brian Eugene Ferguson

Height: 6 foot Weight: 180lbs Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown

Last scene wearing a white sleeveless tee shirt and white painter style pants.

Det. Sgt. Darryl Carr

McCracken Co. Sheriff's Department