Burglary Suspect Overturns Car After Alleged Break In

Neighbor Follows Man That Was Allegedly Breaking In To Unoccupied Home

2002 Ford Focus, driven by Anthony Lee Dale, (41) Lexington.

Darren Doyle, story: 
A Lexington man is recovering in Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville and could face serious charges, pending the next Edmonson County Grand Jury, after a rollover crash on Ollie Road, Saturday April 21, 2018.

The Edmonson County Sheriff's Office said local dispatch received a call from a resident around 8pm on Saturday night, who said they saw what they thought was a man breaking in to an unoccupied home on Gap Hill Road. According to the Sheriff's Office, the caller said they saw the man kick the door in and leave, and the caller immediately began following the suspect.

Officials said the caller told dispatch that the suspect crashed but wasn't injured and continued to flee with a flat tire. The suspect apparently entered a local horse camp but the caller stopped at the entrance. Shortly after, the Sheriff's Office said deputies arrived near their location along with U.S. Park Rangers, the Brownsville Police, with a KSP trooper also en route.

Deputies said that they met the suspect's vehicle, a 2002 Ford Focus on Ollie Road,  but by the time they were able to get turned around, the suspect's vehicle had overturned at the intersection of Ollie Ridge, Ollie Road, and Ollie-Houchins Ferry Road, which was on Mammoth Cave National Park property.

The Sheriff's Office said the driver, Anthony Lee Dale (41), of Lexington, was removed from the vehicle and transported to the Medical Center for neck injuries. Dale was later moved to Vanderbilt, where he is listed in stable condition.

Park Officials confirmed that Dale was cited for violations and that more charges were pending. The Sheriff's Office said more charges are pending from their office as well. 

Sheriff Shane Doyle discussed the incident.

"Under no circumstances does our office advise residents to follow or chase suspects," he said. "However; we do appreciate the fact that a resident was paying attention and realized there was a potential issue. From what we've gathered so far, this was not a chase, but rather a situation where the suspect was followed. Again, we're glad for the help, but we want everyone to know that private citizens following or chasing a suspect is not recommended in any case."