The Guthrie Police Department has charged a Clarksville man with numerous crimes, including wanton endangerment and fleeing or evading police, following a high-speed pursuit Thursday night.
According to the police report, Officer Jacob Pritchett was in the area of Favorite Lotto on Dixie Beeline Highway when he witnessed suspicious drug activity and made contact with the suspects. One of the suspects, 31-year-old Keith Ball of Clarksville, reportedly got into his vehicle and reversed at a high rate of speed past several customers and a pursuit began.
It continued onto U.S. 41 where Ball allegedly attempted to ram Officer Pritchett’s cruiser, and also allegedly pointed a gun at officers before throwing a bag of white powder from the vehicle. The pursuit continued through Guthrie, causing damages to a vehicle and property while driving around a Hadensville Road residence multiple times, where the homeowners were at home and outside.
The pursuit eventually concluded when Ball lost control of the vehicle and crashed—he was taken into custody without further incident.
A search of the vehicle reportedly revealed numerous items of drug paraphernalia.
He was charged with two counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, including against a police officer, first-degree fleeing or evading police, operating a vehicle under the influence, first-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving, theft of identity and failure to maintain insurance.
The Todd County Sheriff’s Office and the Trenton Police Department assisted.