Monroe Co. man crashes into building while fleeing police

HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. – One Monroe County man is facing multiple charges after police say he crashed into a building while fleeing law enforcement on Tuesday.

The Tompkinsville Police Department says around 11 p.m., it observed a a gray Chevy speed out of the lot of a FiveStar gas station in Monroe County.

According to a uniform citation, a Tompkinsville officer continued patrol and drove behind the Chevy on Magnolia Street before attempting a traffic stop when it failed to signal a turn. During this time, police say the driver, identified as Timothy Curtis, 45, of Tompkinsville, drove off at a high rate of speed and turned onto Celina Road.

Police say they then witnessed Curtis lose control of the vehicle and crash into a building that houses Kaley Jo’s Hair Salon and Kate’s Collection Clothing.

Upon arrival, police say the officer took cover behind the patrol vehicle and requested additional officers to the scene.

Curtis was ordered out of the vehicle and arrested. Police say Curtis was checked by EMS and denied medical assistance.

During a search, police say they located a backpack in the back of the car with two bags of over 19 grams each of marijuana, another container of 1.1 grams of marijuana, one package with 1.8 grams of methamphetamine, one bag with 5.6 grams of methamphetamine, a clear bag with residue consistent with methamphetamine and a broken glass pipe.

Police say Curtis identified the substances in the clear bags as methamphetamine.

He was transported to the Barren County Detention Center. Curtis is charged with first-degree wanton endangerment of a police officer, reckless driving, failure to produce insurance card, first-degree criminal mischief, public intoxication – controlled substance (excludes alcohol), first-degree possession of a controlled substance, first offense (methamphetamine), possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia – buy/possess.