City and county officers pursue vehicle reportedly involved theft

On Sept. 22, 2022, at approximately 8 p.m., White County deputies were advised by E-911 that officers with Sparta Police Department were in pursuit of a silver Ford Focus that was reportedly involved in a theft within the city limits.

Deputy Kelsey was advised the city units had terminated the pursuit because of high rates of speed within the city limits, and the vehicle was last seen traveling westbound, on Bockman Way.  In an effort to potentially intercept the vehicle, Kelsey parked at a location believed to be the route of travel. However, while waiting for the vehicle, he was advised the suspect’s vehicle had wrecked at a residence close to the “On the Way” gas station.

A short time after being told by E-911 telecommunicators that the vehicle had wrecked, Kelsey spotted the vehicle reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed. The vehicle passed Kelsey, and Kelsey followed behind the vehicle and initiated his emergency lights and sirens in an attempt to stop the vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle reportedly ignored Kelsey’s lights and siren and continued down Smithville Highway [Highway 70 West], reportedly making no attempt to stop. Kelsey informed E-911 that he would be in pursuit of the vehicle, on Smithville Highway, which was traveling westbound at approximately 105 mph.

At the same time, Sheriff Steve Page advised E-911 that he was setting up spike strips at the Old Kentucky Road/Smithville Highway intersection.  The vehicle continued westbound on Smithville Highway where it came into contact with the spike strips but reportedly still did not stop.

Because of speed, Kelsey’s patrol unit suffered two flat tires, and the deputy was forced to terminate the pursuit for safety reasons.

A short time later, it was reported a vehicle matching the suspected vehicle’s description was parked in a cul-de-sac, on Bradford Drive. Deputy Bloch accompanied Kelsey, and they traveled to the location. However, once they arrived, they found the vehicle but were unable to find anyone in the vehicle or the surrounding area. The vehicle was towed and taken to the White County Sheriff’s Office impound lot.

This is an ongoing investigation. Sheriff Steve Page asks that if anyone has any information about this theft, please contact the White County Sheriff’s Office at (931) 836-3621 or Sparta Police Department at (931) 836-3734.