Police seized suspected meth and cocaine along with a handgun following a traffic stop and brief chase on Griffith Avenue on Monday night, authorities say.
According to the Owensboro Police Department, an OPD K9 officer observed a moving violation just after 9 p.m. on Monday and attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle after it turned onto Griffith Avenue from Frederica Street.
Authorities said the suspect, 40-year-old Justin Walker, began to flee from the stop while driving recklessly on Griffith Avenue.
“Within seconds, the suspect struck another vehicle traveling on the roadway in the 400 block of Griffith Avenue, disabling both vehicles. The suspect then fled on foot and was quickly apprehended by the officer,” according to OPD. “The officer’s K9 detected narcotics in the vehicle, leading to the seizure of a large quantity of suspected methamphetamine, suspected cocaine, a loaded handgun, and a large sum of currency from the vehicle.”
Walker was wanted on five active parole violation warrants, officials said. Walker was arrested on the five outstanding warrants and faces the following additional charges, according to OPD:
- Improper Turning
- Fleeing or Evading Police, 1st Degree (Motor Vehicle)
- Wanton Endangerment, 1st Degree (3 counts)
- Fleeing or Evading Police, 2nd Degree (On Foot)
- Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, 1st Degree (Methamphetamine – Enhancement)
- Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, 1st Degree (Cocaine – Enhancement)
- Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon (Enhancement)
- Reckless Driving
- Operating a Motor Vehicle on a Suspended or Revoked License
Officials said Walker was medically evaluated and treated for minor injuries sustained in the crash. No injuries were reported by the occupants of the second vehicle.
