A Claudville man was charged following a motor vehicle pursuit, according to Patrick County Sheriff Dan Smith. Around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, deputies were patrolling in the area of Pedigo Ridge Road looking for Kenneth Dane Gray, 55, of 427 Pedigo Ridge Road.
Gray was a fugitive wanted on a capias for failure to appear on distribution of methamphetamine charges from Patrick County Circuit Court.
Senior Deputy Andrew Kinney attempted to stop Gray in a Chevrolet pickup, however, Gray allegedly began to flee recklessly from the deputy on Pedigo Ridge Road, Unity Church Road and Homeplace Road, according to a release.
Senior Deputy Dustin Dillon successfully deployed spike strips across Homeplace Road, deflating Gray’s two front tires. Gray allegedly continued to flee onto Ararat Highway, at which time Kinney performed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver, which removed Gray’s vehicle from the roadway.
Gray allegedly continued to flee off road and eventually was unable to steer his vehicle and struck the side of the Ararat Volunteer Fire Department building, causing minor damage.
Gray was removed immediately from the vehicle and arrested by deputies.
More than two ounces of suspected methamphetamine and a loaded handgun were found in the vehicle, according to the sheriff. The suspected methamphetamine will be sent to the state forensic lab to be analyzed. Numerous firearm and narcotics felony charges are forthcoming pending analysis, Smith said in a Tuesday afternoon release.
Smith alleged Gray “is a career criminal with multiple methamphetamine distribution convictions, the hardworking citizens of Ararat and Claudville have been victimized by his criminal behavior for far too long.”
Gray is being held without bond in the Patrick County Jail.
