A vehicle pursuit Saturday night ended with a crash that knocked out power to nearby homes and businesses, according to the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office. A Madisonville man was arrested for the incident and faces several charges, including driving under the influence.
According to a release, deputies attempted to stop a vehicle at approximately 9 p.m. near KY 54 and Professional Park Drive after identifying the driver as a wanted felon. The suspect, 54-year-old James M. Porche of the 100 block of Woodlawn Court in Madisonville, refused to pull over, initiating a pursuit, authorities said.
The chase ended at the intersection of East Parrish Avenue and Leitchfield Road, where Porche’s vehicle struck a utility pole, the release says. The impact knocked the pole to the ground, disabling the vehicle and causing a power outage in the area.
Deputies took Porche into custody and reportedly found approximately 30 grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle.
Owensboro Police Department officers assisted with traffic control at intersections where signals were affected, and Owensboro Municipal Utilities worked to repair the pole and restore power, which is expected to take about 3 hours, according to the release.
Authorities said Porche was taken to Owensboro Health Regional Hospital to be medically cleared before being lodged in the Daviess County Detention Center.
According to DCSO, Porche faces multiple charges, including:
- Fleeing/Evading Police (1st Degree)
- Wanton Endangerment (1st Degree)
- Criminal Mischief (1st Degree)
- Reckless Driving
- Disregarding Traffic Control Device
- Operating on a Suspended License
- Trafficking in a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine)
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance
- Probation Violation Warrant (Felony Offense)
