Two Hopkinsville men were arrested on multiple charges following a pursuit that began on East 9th Street and ended on Butler Road Thursday night.
According to the Hopkinsville police report, a vehicle operated by 31-year old Malcolm Bell of Hopkinsville allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of East 7th Street and South Campbell Street. Sergeant Ed Eastman attempted a traffic stop at the Marathon gas station on East 9th Street, but Bell allegedly failed to stop and continued east bound on East 9th.
A pursuit began, with speeds reaching approximately 70 mph in residential areas where children were reportedly near the roadway. Sgt. Eastman terminated pursuit in concern for public safety.
The vehicle was reportedly later located on Butler Road pulling in behind a house by Christian County Sheriff’s deputies and when the three occupants saw the deputy, they reportedly fled on foot. A foot pursuit began through a wooded area and over fences, with deputies stating that one of the suspects had a gun.
Bell and a second suspect, 19-year old Jarontae Taylor of Hopkinsville, were taken into custody. Taylor allegedly admitted that he had a handgun in his hand during the pursuit, which was reported stolen out of Clarksville. A search of Bell’s person allegedly revealed six Ecstasy pills.
Both men were charged with two counts of fleeing or evading police. Bell is charged with possession of a controlled substance, operating on a suspended license, speeding and several other traffic violations. Taylor is charged with receiving stolen property and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.