Man accused of taking police on chase arrested

MORGANTOWN, Ky. – A man was arrested after being accused of leading police on a chase following an attempted traffic stop.

Around 10:55 p.m. Saturday, an Edmonson County Sheriff’s deputy observed a vehicle traveling east on Morgantown Road with no license plate light at a high speed, according to a release by ECSO.

The deputy turned on his emergency lights at the intersection of Hunts Church Road and Morgantown Road in an attempt to make a traffic stop. The vehicle accelerated instead of stopping, leading the deputy to pursue the vehicle, stated the release.

The vehicle continued to flee, reaching over 100 miles per hour for about three miles. The release stated the driver turned off all the exterior lights and quickly turned into a residential driveway around the 6500 block of Morgantown Road.

Once the vehicle came to a stop, deputies identified the driver as Keith Wallingford, 37, of Morgantown.

Wallingford was arrested and found to have a suspended operator’s license.

In addition, a vehicle search resulted in the discovery of tools that have been linked to a February 4, 2022 theft at the county impound lot, along with gloves, a face mask and other tools commonly used in thefts, stated the release.

Wallingford was charged with rear license not illuminated, reckless driving, fleeing or evading police, first degree (motor vehicle), theft by unlawful taking or disposition auto between $1,000 and $10,000, criminal mischief, first degree, possession of burglary tools, operating on a suspended or revoked operators license and wanton endangerment, first degree (police officer).

Wallingford was lodged in Hart County Jail.

The investigation is ongoing.