Troopers searching for suspects after pursuit reaches speeds of 130 mph

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – State troopers are investigating after a Friday night pursuit reached Butler County.

According to a release by the Kentucky State Police, troopers were conducting a traffic safety checkpoint in Hart County on Friday around 10:09 p.m. when they saw a 2015 Mercedes GL3.

Troopers say the driver was identified as 28-year old Anthony Manning of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, who was traveling with an unknown passenger.

Manning fled from the traffic checkpoint to U.S. 31-E then onto Kentucky 70 before continuing on Interstate 65 southbound, authorities say.

According to troopers, Manning’s vehicle reached 130 miles per hour, and he turned his lights off to try to escape police. Manning continued southbound on I-65 before being seen traveling northbound on I-65, troopers say, before visual contact was lost and the pursuit was terminated.

Later that night, troopers say they received a call from Butler County dispatch about Butler County Sheriff’s Department deputies locating a vehicle at a Morgantown, Kentucky gas station.

Manning and his passenger fled on foot, authorities say. Troopers say the unknown passenger brandished a firearm, and a Butler County deputy shot his firearm then lost sight of the subjects.

Butler County deputies were not injured, according to authorities. Troopers believe the suspects were not injured.

According to troopers, both driver and passenger have not been located.

Manning has an active warrant for his arrest in relation to this incident and is considered armed and dangerous.

The investigation remains ongoing.