MOUNT STERLING, Ky. — A 25-year-old Owingsville man is facing multiple felony charges after Mt. Sterling Police say he fled from officers during an attempted traffic stop, leading to a pursuit that reached speeds of nearly 100 miles per hour.
According to the Mt. Sterling Police Department, the incident began on July 13 when Officer Thomas Wilson responded to a trespassing complaint involving a woman who reported being harassed at her workplace.
Police said that as Officer Wilson arrived, a white Honda Accord left the parking lot at a high rate of speed. The officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but investigators say the driver refused to stop, prompting a pursuit.
Authorities said the chase continued onto Indian Mound Drive, where speeds reportedly approached 100 mph. The pursuit was ultimately discontinued due to concerns for the safety of the public and other motorists.
Following an investigation, police obtained an arrest warrant for Christopher Barbee, 25, of Owingsville. Officers later located Barbee at his residence in Bath County, where he was taken into custody without incident.
Barbee has been charged with:
First-Degree Fleeing or Evading Police
First-Degree Wanton Endangerment (Police Officer)
First-Degree Wanton Endangerment
Police also reported that Barbee was served with an unrelated warrant for an alleged parole violation.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Mt. Sterling Police Department through its website, Facebook Messenger, or by calling (859) 498-8899. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations. Christopher Barbee is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.