1 charged with fleeing police in Laurel County

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. – One woman is facing charges after authorities say she fled police in Laurel County.

According to Laurel County Sheriff John Root, the sheriff’s office attempted a traffic stop on an eastbound vehicle around two miles east of London on East Hal Rogers Parkway.

Authorities say the vehicle was traveling 72 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone.

According to Root, a deputy stated they had attempted to catch up with the vehicle and that it reached up to 120 mph.

In addition, authorities say the vehicle was seen weaving around the roadway before crossing into Clay County.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Manchester Police Department and the Kentucky State Police were notified of the fleeing vehicle, authorities say. As the pursuit continued, authorities say the back bumper of the fleeing vehicle fell off onto the road.

Around two miles east of Manchester, authorities say the vehicle began to slow and stopped.

Authorities say guns and a passenger were located in the vehicle during the stop. The driver, identified as 19-year-old Jennie C. Sams of Corbin, was arrested around 12:16 a.m. on Saturday.

Sams was charged with speeding more than 26 mph over the speed limit, reckless driving, operating a vehicle with an expired operators license first-degree wanton endangerment of a police officer, first-degree fleeing or evading police (motor vehicle) and one headlamp.

Sams was lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center.