Man pleads guilty to pursuit, assault

Published 10:55 am Saturday, October 14, 2017

Nearly a year after his arrest for leading police on a high speed pursuit, a suspect pleaded guilty Thursday in Clark Circuit Court.

William Owings, 45, agreed to a four-year prison term after pleading guilty to four counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, driving under the influence, resisting arrest and third-degree assault.

Owings told Judge Jean Chenault Logue Thursday he did not intentionally hit Clark County Deputy Sheriff Matt Eversole in the face, but admitted he may have during the scuffle.

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According to court records, Winchester Police attempted to stop a Toyota Pickup truck at 4:36 a.m. Oct. 16, 2016, after the vehicle exited Interstate 64 at exit 96. Officers said the truck crossed three lanes of traffic and nearly hit another vehicle.

Officers said the vehicle was swerving from side to side and ran through three stop signs before it hit another vheicle on Spruce Court.

When officers got out of the vehicle, the driver of the truck attempted to hit one of the officers before driving off. During the pursuit, two police cruisers were damaged before the truck stopped at Washington Square.

The driver, identified as Owings, fled on foot but was caught by officers, which led to a physical struggle during which Owings was Tasered. Owings was eventually arrested.

Several traffic offenses were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

Owings is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 16 in Clark Circuit Court.

About Fred Petke

Fred Petke is a reporter for The Winchester Sun, the Jessamine Journal and the State Journal. His beats include cops, courts, fire, public records, city and county government and other news. To contact Fred, email fred.petke@bluegrassnewsmedia.com or call 859-759-0051.

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