MOUNT STERLING, Ky. (LEX 18) — Police have arrested a Mount Sterling man who they say nearly struck an officer while driving erratically Friday near a community festival event.
The Montgomery County Sheriff's Department says 63-year-old Billy G. Anderson faces multiple charges after leading police on a high-speed chase.
Officials said deputies responded to 911 calls reporting a reckless driver on U.S. Highway 460 and tried to stop a vehicle driven by Anderson.
Police say Anderson sped away and deputies fell back, calling ahead to alert police in Mount Sterling, where the First Friday Market event was taking place.
Authorities said Mount Sterling police posted up at Apperson Heights and Kentucky Highway 11 in an effort to deflect Anderson from the area. However, police said he drove "onto the sidewalk almost striking a MSPD Officer who had to dive out of the way."
Police say "security protocol" was enacted at the event as Anderson continued toward the area. They say he struck barriers that police put in place near the event, then struck three vehicles before finally hitting a utility pole. The vehicle was immobilized, and police took Anderson into custody.
Anderson was charged with four counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, wanton endangerment to a police officer, operating a motor vehicle under the influence, first-degree flee and evading.
More charges are pending, police said.
Anderson was treated at Saint Joesph Hospital and was being held in the Montgomery County Detention Center.
