Traffic Violation, Pursuit Results in Two Separate Arrests

Jeremy Patrick Wright (44) of Caneyville.

Darren Doyle, story:
Two men were arrested on meth and other charges in separate non-related incidents this past Friday and Saturday, one of which included a high-speed pursuit, according to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

The Sheriff's Office stated that around 9:00 pm on Friday, November 5, 2021, a deputy observed a red Ford Ranger traveling southbound on KY HWY 259 with an off-road LED light bar on. The deputy reportedly initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle at the Edmonson County Water District and identified the operator as Jeremy Patrick Wright (44) of Caneyville.

The Sheriff's Office stated that they discovered Wright’s license was suspended and he had an active warrant from Butler County for failure to appear on traffic violation charges. In the process of placing Wright under arrest for the active warrant, deputies said they observed items commonly used for the manufacturing of methamphetamine laying in plain view of the truck bed. A further search of the vehicle produced additional items of the same nature, the Sheriff's Office stated.

In addition to the warrant being served, Wright was charged with:

• Glaring headlights
• Operating on Suspended or Revoked Operator’s License
• Manufacturing Methamphetamine, 1st Offense

Wright was lodged in Hart County Jail.

Jordan Travis Watt (25) of Bowling Green.

Just a few hours later around midnight on November 6th, Edmonson County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a suspicious person complaint at the 4000 block of Brownsville Road. According to the Sheriff's Office, the caller provided the license plate information of the vehicle and stated he believed the driver of the vehicle to be Jordan Travis Watt (25) of Bowling Green, Kentucky. As deputies were en route, they were notified that the vehicle had left and was traveling towards 31W, the Sheriff's Office stated.

Authorities said that officers found a vehicle matching the description sitting nearly sideways in the northbound lane of 31W. According to the Sheriff's Office, deputies recognized the driver to be Watt and activated their blue lights to initiate a traffic stop; however, Watt reportedly spun tires and fled northbound towards Brownsville, nearly striking the front end of a patrol vehicle. A pursuit of the vehicle was initiated by law enforcement for roughly three miles at speeds of over 100 miles; however, officers were unable to keep close enough pace with the vehicle to continue the pursuit, the Sheriff's Office said.

Approximately 30 minutes later, an Edmonson County Sheriff’s Deputy reportedly observed Watt driving back in the same area where the pursuit began. The Sheriff's Office said that another traffic stop was attempted but Watt was able to elude law enforcement again.

A short time later, Watt was found to be back at the residence on Brownsville Road in the same vehicle involved in the pursuit. According to the Sheriff's Office, deputies made contact with Watt in the yard of the residence and discovered suspected marijuana on his person and inside the vehicle. Watt allegedly showed signs of impairment but refused a blood test at the time of his arrest. The Edmonson County Sheriff’s Office arrested Watt and charged him with:

• Operating Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol/Substance, 2nd Degree (aggravated circumstance)
• Fleeing or Evading Police, 1st Degree (motor vehicle)
• Wanton Endangerment, 1st Degree (police officer)
• Criminal Mischief, 1st Degree
• Obstructing a Highway
• Possession of Marijuana
• Drug Paraphernalia—Buy/Possess
• Driving DUI Suspended—1st Offense (aggravated circumstance)

Watt was lodged in Hart County Jail. Edmonson County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Brownsville City Police. The Sheriff's Office also stated that District 5 Constable Charlie Peck sustained considerable damage to his vehicle after hitting a deer while in route to assist with the pursuit.