Paducah Man Arrested On Multiple Charges Following Chase

The McCracken County Sheriff Department Drug Division received information alleging a Paducah man to be trafficking in Cocaine. Sheriff's detectives identified the individual as Maurice D. Holt. Detectives began an investigation several days ago which entailed surveillance on Holt along with Cocaine purchases via an undercover agent.

On 05/29/09 at approximately 21:31 sheriff's detectives arranged for an additional under cover Cocaine purchase from Holt. Holt advised the undercover agent to meet him at the corner of South 11th Street and Ohio Street. Following a 1.7 gram Cocaine transaction between Holt and the undercover agent detectives moved in to effect an arrest. Detectives Richard DeArmond and Jesse Riddle attempted to block the 2000 Chrysler 300 that Holt was operating when Holt accelerated and rammed into the front passengers side quarter panel of the detectives vehicle, subsequently pushing their vehicle out of his path. Deputy Ben Bradford then attempted to block Holt again in efforts to prevent his escape. Bradfords vehicle was also rammed by Holt which resulted in his vehicle also being pushed out of his path. Both undercover vehicles sustained moderate damages. Once Holt cleared his escape route he then proceeded South on South 11th Street, turned left on Husbands Street to South 4th Street. Once reaching South 4th Street Holt abandoned his moving vehicle as he turned right onto Elizabeth Street resulting in the unattended vehicle to crash into a utility pole before coming to a stop. During the course of Holts escape efforts he failed to stop at several stop signs. Holt also discarded money that was utilized for the Cocaine purchase along with the keys to the Chrysler 300. The buy money and vehicle keys were recovered by detectives. Once out of the vehicle Holt fled on foot towards Broad Street. Sheriff's deputies were being assisted by the Paducah Police Department and everyone was working together in efforts to set up a perimeter.

A short time into the search deputies received a call from a citizen at 1920 Broad Street. The caller stated that a black male with no shirt on ran into their home unannounced and asked for a ride. A male subject at the residence agreed to provide Holt with a ride, however he was unaware at that time that Holt was running from the police. The individual drove Holt out of the area and stated he began observing several police cars in the area of South 6th Street and Broad. The individual later told detectives that he questioned Holt if he knew why all the police cars were around, subsequently growing suspicious of Holts involvement. At this point the individual stated that Holt opened the passengers door of the vehicle and bailed on foot. He then proceed behind several houses on Elizabeth Street and eventually laid down on the Perkins Creek embankment at the end of Elizabeth Street. Detectives located Holts shirt and hat behind 414 Elizabeth Street. This was the same shirt and hat that detectives had observed Holt wearing early this same day during a surveillance detail when Holt was in the 1200 block of North 12th Street. Another citizen called and reported that their dogs were barking profusely adding they could hear movement towards the creek. Sheriff's deputies and Paducah Police Officers quickly flooded the area, suspecting that Holt was nearby. The Paducah Fire Department assisted in the search by providing a Thermal Imaging Camera and night vision goggles. Sergeant Kevin Lynn located Holt laying down on the side of the embankment in some tall weeds at 22:25 hours. Lynn ordered Holt to shown him his hands and he again attempted to flee on foot towards the creek. Lynn was able to tackle Holt which provoked Holt to resist arrest and a struggle ensued resulting in both tumbling down the embankment. Holt continued to be non compliant and resist officers. The Paducah Police deployed a Tazer and subsequently enabled officers to subdue Holt.

Mercy Regional Ambulance was summons to the scene to check Holt for any possible injuries. Holt received on scene medical treatment and refused transport for hospital evaluation. Holt was then transported to the McCracken County Regional Jail.

"This arrest would have not occurred this quick without the calls from concerned citizens and good team work between the Paducah Police Department and our agency. " Det. Sgt. Matt Carter

Detectives searched the area where Holt was arrested. The search resulted in the discovery of several hundred dollars that was strolled along the embankment along with Holts drivers license. Holt was also positively identified by witnessed that observed him run into the home on Broad Street. No civilians or civilian vehicles were encountered during this chase.

ARRESTED: Holt, Maurice D. 25 years of age

Of North 12th Street

CHARGES: Two Counts Of Trafficking In Controlled Substance In The First Degree (Cocaine)

Three Counts Of Wanton Endangerment On A Police Officer First Degree

Fleeing Or Evading Police First Degree

Tampering With Physical Evidence

Criminal Mischief First Degree

Criminal Trespassing First Degree

Resisting Arrest

Speeding > 26 Miles Per Hour Over The Posted Limit

Five Counts Of Disregarding A Stop Sign

Leaving The Scene Of An Accident

Failure Of Non-Owner/Operator To Maintain Required Insurance First Offense

Obstructing A Highway Or Other Public Passage

Two Counts Of Failure To Signal

Reckless Driving

This case is pending further investigation.

End Of Release

Det. Sgt. Matt Carter

McCracken County Sheriff Department Drug Division