KY News: High Speed Chase Results in Arrest Of FL Man With Dead Body In Vehicle

David Maurice Reed, (54), St. Petersburg, FL

Edmonson Voice Report:
A Florida man was arrested yesterday and charged with murder, along with several other felonies in a high-speed pursuit that stretched through multiple counties, according to Kentucky State Police.

KSP stated that troopers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on I-75 South near the 83-mile marker in Madison County just after 10:12 AM on Wednesday, January 18, 2023.  The initial investigation indicated that the vehicle’s operator was driving carelessly.

The trooper activated his emergency equipment and the vehicle initially stopped; however, once troopers approached the vehicle, the unknown driver sped off and continued traveling south on I-75 at a high rate of speed through three counties, KSP said. The fleeing vehicle allegedly struck several Kentucky State Police vehicles. KSP stated that after performing a legal intervention maneuver, the fleeing vehicle became disabled at the 45-mile marker southbound in Laurel County. The driver, David Maurice Reed, 54 years old of St. Petersburg, FL, was arrested at that time without further incident. 

Further investigation after the stop revealed a deceased female located inside the vehicle. KSP stated she has not been positively identified at this time. The cause of death is undetermined at this time, and foul play is suspected, according to KSP. Police also said the unknown female will be sent to the Kentucky State Medical Office in Frankfort for an autopsy.

Reed was charged with the following:

• Murder- Domestic Violence
• Tampering with Physical Evidence
• Abuse of a Corpse
• Fleeing or Evading Police 1st Degree
• Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree
• Wanton Endangerment 2nd Degree Police Officer
• Careless Driving
• Resisting Arrest
• No Operator’s License

Detective Ryan Loudermilk is continuing the investigation he was assisted by Kentucky State Police personnel, The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, Mount Vernon Police Department, and the Laurel County Coroner's Office.