[Batpuff]

A burglary suspect is behind bars, but not before stealing a police cruiser Saturday and slamming into two other police cars during a high speed chase.

Investigators say Berea Police Officer James Hampton was working the scene of a burglary at 604 Chestnut Street, when Pactrick Hamner got into his car a drove off. "It looked like he was just milling around, getting in a friends car and pulling out." Said one witnesses. But as Hamner began to pull away, Officer Hampton was dragged for several feet as he held onto the car.

Police took off after the cruiser down I-75, where witness Jeremy Nolan, found himself right in front of the pursuit. "They almost hit me and I got over and ended up hitting the guard rail." Nolan's car only suffered a few scrapes, but he says it was a close call. "It probably was the man who stole the police unit that ran me off the road. Hope I get covered for it." Said Nolan.

Kentucky State Police Trooper Sergeant Tackett Wilson says the first attempt to stop the fleeing vehicle only slowed things down a bit. "We deployed out tire deflation devices at 86 mile marker which was successful to get three of the subjects tires at the time." Said Wilson. Four miles later, police say Hamner then hit a state trooper's vehicle and a Madison County deputy's car. He then attempted to run away on foot but was captured almost immediately.

Neighbors tell LEX-18 News they're familiar with Hamner, and claim he has some problems. Officer Hampton was taken to the hospital for minor injuries and released. Hamner was also taken to the hospital for minor injuries, and later taken to the Madison County Jail where he faces a number of serious charges.

[clubber_layne]

man on a mission