ATV rider speeds way to 14 charges

Aug. 13--A Wallins teenager who allegedly led police on a high-speed chase on an ATV Tuesday is facing 14 charges.

Loyall Police Chief Mike Lunsford reported that while he was parked on the side of Wilkerson Street and KY 840, he observed a person go by on a four-wheeler who was not wearing a helmet.

According the police citation, after Lunsford pulled out behind the operator, later identified as Bryan A. Stephens, 18, of Wallins, Stephens looked back and then took off at a high rate of speed.

Lunsford said he activated his blue lights and siren, and Stephens proceeded down Main Street at speeds ranging between 70 and 80 mph.

According to Lunsford, Stephens then continued onto Old Airport Road to the airport, where he managed to go into the locked gate area and onto the runway. There, Stephens was chased back by airport board chairman Mark Miracle, almost hitting Officer Denny Jones with his four-wheeler while continuing to flee.

Lunsford said Stephens then went behind a building, came back out at a high rate of speed, almost striking Miracle in the process, and then started driving toward Lunsford, who was able to block the exit with his patrol car. Stephens tried to flee again, but ran into the fence, where officers were able to take him onto custody.

Stephens had in his possession a 9 mm Hi-Point pistol and a knife, the report states.

He was charged with two counts of first-degree wanton endangerment; first-degree criminal trespass; carrying a concealed deadly weapon, first-degree fleeing or evading police, operating an ATV on private property, without consent; speeding in excess of 26 mph over the speed limit, operating an ATV on a roadway, operating an ATV without headgear 16 or older on public property, no operator's-moped license, no registration plates, no registration receipt, failure of owner to maintain required insurance and failure to produce insurance card.

Stephens was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center.

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