Update: KSP still searching for 2 men involved in Thursday pursuit, wreck on 54; woman arrested

March 4, 2023 | 12:10 am

Updated March 4, 2023 | 12:35 am

Amanda Smith | Photo from Daviess County Detention Center

Two men are still on the run after nearly running over an officer and fleeing in a second vehicle, while one woman was arrested for driving under the influence of marijuana, according to new information regarding an incident Thursday afternoon near KY 54.

According to Kentucky State Police Trooper Corey King, the incident began when a trooper conducted a traffic stop at a truck stop on US 60 East. King said the trooper suspected intoxicants, and a sobriety test was performed on the female driver. 

Records obtained by Owensboro Times on Friday show 34-year-old Amanda D. Smith, of Louisville, was observed traveling 79 mph in a 55 mph zone. According to the citation, “a strong odor of marijuana was emitting from the vehicle’s cabin area.” The trooper also reported that Smith presented a Kentucky ID card stating that her license is suspended.

According to the citation, when the trooper asked Smith if there was any marijuana inside the vehicle, “the front seat passenger ‘Cornelius Harris’ handed me a plastic bag with approximately 7 grams of weed.” The trooper said Smith also admitted to smoking marijuana about 30 minutes prior.

Smith then performed a field sobriety test, and the citation shows she had several issues completing the tasks.

According to the trooper, while Smith was performing the test, the passenger Harris then “hopped into the vehicle’s driver’s seat and attempted to run me over.” According to the citation, another passenger identified as Michael Henderson “was hiding in the backseat.”

The trooper remained at that location and arrested Smith, who was transported to Owensboro Health Regional Hospital where she consented to a blood draw, according to the citation. She was then transported to and lodged at the Daviess County Detention Center. Smith was charged with driving 24 mph over the limit, operating a vehicle under the influence of a substance, and operating on a suspended license.

The citation does not provide any further information on events that transpired after the two men fled the scene. 

(Editor’s note: Initial information provided to King on Thursday indicated that only one passenger was in the vehicle. Details below have been updated to reflect that there were two men.)

On Thursday, King said a male — identified in the citation as Harris — drove westbound on US 60, and said KSP received reports of the man driving erratically and using the emergency strip to pass vehicles. The vehicle was wrecked on the ramp from the bypass going onto KY 54.

After the wreck, King said one man ran into Meijer and stole a red hoodie before leaving in another vehicle in the parking lot. KSP was able to locate that vehicle at a residence but the men were not there. 

King said there will be several charges for Harris and Henderson, including felony level offenses.

Owensboro Police Department worked the accident portion of the incident and had no further information to add on Thursday. The Daviess County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the scene. 

March 4, 2023 | 12:10 am

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