(WSIL) -- Two people are now in custody after leading authorities on a chase from southern Illinois into western Kentucky.
Around 5 a.m. Wednesday McCracken County deputies were notified that Massac County deputies were involved in a pursuit. Massac County deputies had stopped a vehicle in Illinois and during the stop, the driver fled and attempted to strike a deputy with his vehicle.
McCracken County deputies began assisting around the 7.5 mile marks on eastbound I-24 and successfully used "stop sticks" around the 9 mile marker.
The driver continued to flee, even after his front tired had fallen off their wheels.
The driver, later identified as Steven Youman of Metropolis, continued to flee until he lost control of the vehicle. He then fled on foot.
Youman's passenger, Faith Sullivan of Brookport, was immediately arrested.
A Paducah officer and K9 responded to the scene and located Youman hiding in a field a short time later.
Youman was arrested, but taken to a local hospital after he stated that he had ingested methamphetamine while fleeing from law enforcement. A short time later he was medically cleared and transported to the McCracken County Regional Jail.
Youman is now facing several charges including:
- Speeding 26 mph or >
- Reckless Driving
- Fleeing Or Evading Police 1st Degree (motor vehicle)
- Fleeing Or Evading Police 1st Degree (on foot)
- Two Counts Of Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree
- Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree
- Operating A Motor Vehicle Under The Influence 1st (aggravating circumstances)
- Failure To Transfer Motor Vehicle
- Failure To Produce Insurance Card
Sullivan was arrested on a fugitive from justice warrant out of Massac County.
