On Wednesday, January 8th, a report from the Lawrenceburg Police Department regarding a stolen vehicle led to a dramatic encounter on Red Hill Road. The vehicle’s owner, who had been tracking the suspect, identified as Joshua Watkins, contacted authorities to inform them that he was following the individual who had taken his truck. When law enforcement arrived at the scene, Watkins attempted to evade capture by swerving around the police vehicles and continued his reckless drive toward Highway 64. In the process, he collided with a patrol car, striking it at the front end.
As the pursuit continued eastbound on Highway 64, Watkins accelerated, refusing to yield to police commands. In a dangerous display, he began tossing various items out of the window, seemingly aiming to hit the deputies trailing behind him. The chase escalated as he exited onto Highway 43, heading south while weaving into oncoming traffic, thereby putting other drivers at significant risk.
The situation took a turn when Watkins made a sharp turn onto Rabbit Trail Road. In an attempt to navigate around a northbound SUV, he lost control, resulting in his truck overturning in a driveway and landing sideways in a ditch. With the vehicle immobilized, police quickly established a perimeter to prevent Watkins from escaping and ordered him to exit the truck. However, he refused to comply, prompting officers to take more assertive measures.
Ultimately, Watkins was apprehended and taken to the Lawrence County Jail. He now faces an extensive list of charges, including eight counts of reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault, driving on a suspended license, criminal littering, simple possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting arrest, and felony evading.