Michael Root Jr., 26, of London, Kentucky, was arrested Saturday night following a police chase that ended in a vehicle crash and a brief standoff in the woods. The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office reported deputies were responding to a fight complaint near KY-638 when they attempted to stop Root, who was driving a white Chrysler 300 that had fled the scene.
Root allegedly continued driving into city limits and onto KY-30. Approximately four miles north of town, he reportedly veered into oncoming traffic and slammed on his brakes on a wet road, causing deputies to crash into his vehicle. After the crash, Root fled on foot into the nearby woods, leaving a woman passenger unharmed and uncharged.
Using a drone, rescue teams located Root in the woods where he was found disoriented. After deputies contacted him via phone, Root expressed his willingness to surrender. He was taken into custody and booked into the Laurel County Correctional Center.
Root faces multiple charges including first-degree fleeing or evading police both in a vehicle and on foot, first-degree wanton endangerment with a police officer as a victim, and charges related to three outstanding warrants. The deputy involved was treated and released from the hospital. The investigation into the chase is ongoing.
