EDMONTON, KY – The Kentucky State Police in Columbia received information on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 from the Pulaski County dispatch of a strong armed robbery and theft of a vehicle from inside Somerset at approximately 10:34 A.M. CT. The vehicle was a black Kia Soul and last seen on the parkway traveling west.
Trooper Jamie Heller along with other Troopers from Columbia Post 15 were given the vehicle information to attempt to locate on the parkway. Heller was able to locate the vehicle traveling west on the parkway at a high rate of speed.
When Trooper Heller attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver identified as 32 year-old Matthew Lee Cole of Madison, TN refused to stop and accelerated to speeds over 100 mph.
During the pursuit, Cole stopped his vehicle in the roadway and shifted to reverse ramming his vehicle into the front of Heller’s police Tahoe.
Cole continued west where troopers with the Columbia Post were able to successfully use tire deflation devices. Cole ran the vehicle off the right side of the parkway through a fence into a field.
He was taken into custody after a short foot pursuit and transported to the Adair County Jail.
Matthew Cole was charged with the following:
- Speeding 26 mph or greater
- Reckless Driving
- Operating on a Suspended License
- Fleeing or Evading Police 1st Degree (Motor Vehicle)
- Fleeing or Evading Police 2nd Degree (On Foot)
- Resisting Arrest
- Assault 3rd Degree Police Officer
- Wanton Endangerment 2nd Degree
- Recovery of Stolen Property
- Armed Robbery 1st Degree
- Theft of a Motor Vehicle over $10,000
This individual was lodged in the Adair County Jail.
Photo of the accused is courtesy of the Adair County Jail.
Trooper Jamie Heller is investigating and was assisted by units with the Kentucky State Police Columbia, Metcalfe County Sheriffs Office and EMS
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