London Police engage in high-speed pursuit

LONDON KY—On Friday, July 14^th at 1 a.m. London Police Sgt. Eric Wilkerson engaged in a high-speed pursuit while out on patrol on KY-192 and made an arrest.

Sgt. Wilkerson observed a vehicle with no operational tail lights, brake lights, or turn signals and began to make a traffic stop. The vehicle began fleeing from Sgt. Wilkerson, turned into the London Market Place and exited back onto KY-192 where a vehicle pursuit ensued.

The vehicle driven by James B. Belcher, 32, of London turned onto KY-363 and began recklessly passing motorists in speeds up to 85 miles-per-hour. He then turned right onto Wynn road, drove through residential lawns, struck a Jackson Energy power station, and lost control of his vehicle striking a tree.

Belcher exited his vehicle and was apprehended by Sgt. Wilkerson. A passenger in the vehicle stated that they didn’t understand why Belcher fled from officers. Belcher’s pupils were constricted and nonreactive to light. He stated that he had consumed methamphetamine.

Belcher was arrested and charged with two counts of speeding 26 miles-per-hour or more than the speed limit, no tail lamps, no brake lights, failure to improper signal, first-degree fleeing or evading police, reckless driving, first-degree criminal mischief, third-degree criminal mischief, failure to wear a seat-belt, second-degree fleeing or evading police, license to be in possession, and operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs. He was lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center.