Police continue search for Mercedes involved in theft, high-speed pursuit
NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIO
STAFF REPORT
Friday, Sept. 18, 2015, 2:10 p.m. — Police are still searching for an early 2000 model silver four-door Mercedes that was involved in a lunch-hour purse snatching incident and led to a high-speed police pursuit through downtown Bardstown.
At 12:21 p.m. Friday, Bardstown Police responded to a report of a victim whose purse was snatched at the Bardstown Wal-Mart. A bystander in the store was assaulted as the suspect, a white male, ran past her on his way out of the store. The suspect got in an early 2000 model silver four-door Mercedes with Ohio license GIF-8579. The vehicle fled the parking lot and headed toward Bardstown on Springfield Road.
The vehicle hit another vehicle near the traffic light at McDonald’s on East Stephen Foster. Bardstown Police Chief Rick McCubbin spotted the vehicle and attempted to stop it. The vehicle fled toward the Court Square and proceeded west on West Stephen Foster and continued out Boston Road at a high rate of speed.
McCubbin pursued the suspect, but terminated his pursuit near McCubbins Lane as speeds topped 120 mph and it was deemed too dangerous to continue.
Multiple witnesses spotted the vehicle fleeing west toward the Boston area, and several reports came in via social media. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect throw a gun from the vehicle near Bellwood Road. Officer recovered the weapon, a loaded .22 caliber handgun. The woman’s purse was also recovered near the Court Square with most of its contents intact.
The vehicle was confirmed as one reported stolen Thursday out of Lancaster, Ohio.
Witnesses report seeing at least two white males in the vehicle. There are multiple offenses associated with the string of events that began at Wal-Mart. Police are continuing to follow-up leads regarding the vehicle’s possible location.
No officers or drivers were injured in the incident. Bardstown Police were assisted by members of the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation is continuing. Individuals with information are asked to contact the Bardstown Police Department, (502) 348-6811, or Nelson County Dispatch (502) 348-3211.
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