Call results in vehicle/foot pursuit
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By Eugenia Jones {Editor}
eugenia@highland.net
A call to the McCreary County Sheriff’s Office last week (3-22-23) regarding a vehicle left parked in an individual’s yard resulted in a vehicle and foot pursuit for law enforcement officers.
After receiving a call concerning a maroon Rodeo vehicle left parked in an individual’s yard, McCreary County Sheriff David Sampson and Chief Deputy Dustin Ridner arrived at the residence to find a different vehicle (black SUV). Sheriff Sampson and Deputy Ridner recognized the individual with the black SUV as being an individual with multiple outstanding warrants, Joseph (Joey) Watson.
When law enforcement arrived, the black SUV quickly pulled out of the residence. Sheriff Sampson and Chief Deputy Ridner followed and initiated a traffic stop. The SUV sped away and refused to stop. McCreary County law enforcement followed the vehicle south on North Hwy 1651 and across the tracks toward US Hwy 27 at Marshes Siding. Sheriff Sampson and Deputy Ridner were able to get in front of the SUV and turn it back at the intersection of U.S. Hwy 27 and State Hwy 700. Law enforcement pursued the SUV back on 700 and north on HWY 1651 before the vehicle exited to the left into a field and wooded area. The vehicle became stuck, and the driver and female passenger bailed out, fleeing on foot.
Deputy Ridner was able to arrest the remaining passenger (Joseph Watson) and secure him in the law enforcement vehicle, while Sheriff Sampson pursued the driver and female passenger on foot. Sheriff Sampson was able to arrest the female (Amy Foster).
Sheriff Sampson, Chief Deputy Ridner, and Kentucky State Police (KSP) Officer Craig Reed surveyed the area but were unable to locate the driver, identified allegedly as Shawn Watson.
As a result of the incident, Joseph (Joey) Gary Watson and Amy Foster were arrested and lodged in the Knox County Detention Center for failure to appear on multiple outstanding warrants.
McCreary County Sheriff David Sampson filed charges against Shawn Watson for: (1) fleeing/evading a police officer (2) wanton endangerment (3) speeding and (4) reckless driving. A warrant for Shawn Watson’s arrest has been issued. If anyone has information regarding the whereabouts of Shawn Watson, please notify the McCreary County Sheriff’s Department at 376-2322 or 911 dispatch.
McCreary County Sheriff’s Office and KSP responded to the incident.
Amy Foster
Joseph (Joey) Gary Watson
