Man charged after alleged pursuit in Pike County ends with vehicle fire

PIKEVILLE, Ky. – One man is behind bars after authorities say he fled troopers before a vehicle caught fire in Pike County.

According to the Kentucky State Police, troopers were dispatched Monday, Aug. 17 regarding a possible impaired driver that had struck another vehicle and fled the scene in the Dorton community of Pike County.

Authorities say they located the vehicle near the intersection of U.S. 23 and Innovation Way and saw one of the pickup’s back tires had been damaged and deflated.

Troopers say they attempted to conduct a traffic stop, however, the driver failed to stop, leading to a pursuit.

The pursuit continued onto Innovation Way, where authorities deflated one of the pickup truck’s front tires using a deflation device, according to troopers.

Authorities say the driver continued fleeing onto a dirt road, where the vehicle became stuck.

According to troopers, the driver refused to exit the vehicle and was still accelerating, causing the vehicle to catch fire. Troopers say they were able to get the driver out and place him into custody.

The driver was identified as 49-year-old Timothy Bolden of Jenkins.

He was lodged in the Pike County Detention Center and is currently charged with first-degree fleeing or evading police, reckless driving, operating a motor vehicle under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident and additional traffic-related offenses.