Vehicle Pursuit Leads To Foot Pursuit, Meth Arrest

Subjects Accused of Fleeing Across I-65 On Foot, Eating Meth To Hide From Police

Ron Grider, (42), Park City.

Edmonson Voice Report:
Three individuals were arrested after a vehicle and foot pursuit that started in Edmonson County and ended in Barren County Friday night.

According to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, on September 24th around 7:30PM, a deputy observed a Chevy Trailblazer on Louisville Road that was reportedly weaving with the driver not wearing a seat belt. The vehicle allegedly did not stop when a traffic stop was initiated and a pursuit began, the Sheriff's Office stated.

Officials said that the vehicle accelerated down Ray Houchin Road, turned onto Fairview Church Road, then continued into Barren County where the Trailblazer allegedly passed two vehicles in no passing zones. The Sheriff's Office said that two female passengers jumped out of the back seat at an intersection. The Trailblazer continued to Harper Valley Road where it ran into the grass and the driver, identified as Ron Grider (42), and front passenger, identified as Savanna Acosta (34), both of Park City, fled on foot, the Sheriff's Office stated.

Grider and Acosta allegedly disregarded multiple commands by law enforcement to stop and both suspects crossed the north and south bound lanes of Interstate 65 on foot, which almost caused several vehicle accidents, the Sheriff's Office said. Acosta then allegedly jumped into the back of a citizen’s vehicle and refused commands to exit. It was at this time a deputy with the Barren County Sheriff’s Office deployed his department issued taser, while other deputies went hands-on with Acosta to place her in handcuffs and remove her from the citizen’s vehicle, according to the Sheriff's Office. Law enforcement also stated they witnessed Acosta throwing a bag under the vehicle, which was later found to be suspected methamphetamine.

While deputies were working to detain Acosta, officers with Cave City Police Department had arrived on scene to assist. It was at this time that Grider conceded his foot pursuit and was detained by a Cave City Police Officer until an additional deputy with Edmonson County Sheriff’s Office arrived to formally arrest him, the Sheriff's Office stated.

Deputies with Edmonson County Sheriff’s Office searched the Trailblazer driven by Grider and located suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

The Sheriff's Office stated that both Grider and Acosta both admitted to eating methamphetamine in an attempt to “get rid of it.”

Savanna Acosta (34), Park City

Virginia Rodriguez (44) of Glasgow

Acosta was arrested and served a Monroe County Bench Warrant for absconding on felony theft charges. She was also charged by Edmonson County Sheriff’s Office for:

• Trafficking in Controlled Substance, 1st Degree/1st Offense (> or = 2 GMS methamphetamine)
• Drug Paraphernalia—Buy/Possess
• Tampering with Physical Evidence

Grider was cited by Edmonson County Sheriff’s Office for:

• Reckless Driving
• Failure to Wear Seat Belts
• Fleeing or Evading Police, 1st Degree (motor vehicle)
• Wanton Endangerment, 1st Degree (police officer)
• Wanton Endangerment, 1st Degree
• Tampering with Physical Evidence
• Possession Controlled Substance, 1st Degree/2nd Offense (methamphetamine)
• Drug Paraphernalia—Buy/Possess

Virginia Rodriguez (44) of Glasgow, identified as the second female passenger that jumped out of the Chevy Trailblazer during the pursuit, was later located at TJ Samson Hospital and was placed under arrest. She was served a Barren County Bench Warrant for Violation of Bond Conditions on felony drug related charges, and she was also charged by Edmonson County Sheriff’s Office for:

• Drug Paraphernalia—Buy/Possess
• Possession Controlled Substance, 1st Degree/1st Offense (methamphetamine)

All subjects located, charged, and arrested from the pursuit were medically cleared at TJ Samson Hospital. Acosta and Rodriguez were transported to Hart County Jail. Grider was cited for the Edmonson County felony charges but denied booking by Hart County Jail due to being COVID positive. He was later arrested by Cave City Police Department and lodged in Barren County Jail on felony charges, as well as being served a Barren County Bench Warrant for failing to appear on felony drug charges.

The Edmonson County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, Barren County Sheriff’s Office, and Cave City Police Department.

The Sheriff's Office said the investigation is ongoing with further charges and arrests pending.