LONDON, Ky. (LEX 18) — A Tennessee man is facing multiple drug and evasion charges after leading police on a high-speed chase and later swallowing narcotics to avoid arrest.
Police Chase on I-75
At around 9 p.m. on March 29, an officer with the London Police Department spotted a vehicle driving erratically on I-75 in London, Kentucky. The driver, identified as 33-year-old Naythen Edwards from Deer Lodge, Tennessee, refused to stop and instead fled at high speed when the officer attempted a traffic stop.
As the chase escalated, Edwards attempted to exit at mile marker 15 but damaged his vehicle and returned to the interstate before eventually pulling over. He then tried to flee on foot into a wooded area but was quickly apprehended by officers.
Drug Ingestion and Hospitalization
After his arrest, Edwards admitted to swallowing narcotics he had in his possession. Officers administered Narcan and transported him to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Charges Filed
Edwards was charged with multiple offenses, including:
First-degree wanton endangerment
First-degree fleeing or evading police (motor vehicle & on foot)
Operating a motor vehicle under the influence (aggravated circumstances)
First-degree possession of methamphetamine
First-degree possession of fentanyl
Tampering with physical evidence
Prior Criminal History
Authorities also suspect that Edwards is a registered sex offender on parole in Tennessee. The investigation remains ongoing.
