Tompkinsville man charged after leading police on high-speed pursuit

GAMALIEL, Ky. – A Tompkinsville man is facing several charges after allegedly fleeing police.

According to a uniform citation, a Kentucky State Trooper observed a vehicle with blue headlights and an expired registration traveling on West Main Street Wednesday evening. The trooper says a traffic stop was initiated, but the vehicle did not stop.

The pursuit continued to Bug Tussle Road, with speeds reaching up to 90 MPH, according to the citation.

The trooper says the vehicle came to a stop after passing another vehicle in a blind curve.

41-year-old Dewayne Spears, of Tompkinsville, was identified as the driver.

According to the citation, Spears was driving on a suspended license and admitted to smoking marijuana and having a history of methamphetamine abuse.

The trooper says Spears failed standard field sobriety tests, and during a search of his vehicle, suspected methamphetamine was found.

Spears told the trooper that the suspected methamphetamine belonged to him, according to the citation.

Spears was arrested and lodged at the Barren County Detention Center.

He is charged with speeding 26 MPH or greater, no registration plates, no registration receipt, improper use of blue lights, first-degree fleeing or evading police (motor vehicle), first-degree wanton endangerment (police officer), failure to produce an insurance card, tampering with physical evidence, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, second offense (methamphetamine), operating on a suspended or revoked operator license and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a substance.

The investigation is ongoing.