Man Arrested After Short Pursuit on I-24

A short pursuit and traffic stop early Monday morning led to the arrest of a man on multiple charges.

The McCracken County Sheriff's Department says a deputy spotted a vehicle at 12:53 am driving west on I-24 near the 14 mile marker at a high rate of speed. They attempted to pull the vehicle over, but the driver continued driving and took exit 11, attempting to use John Puryear Drive. However, due to its speed, the vehicle struck the median, left the road and became disabled.

The driver, later identified as 25-year-old Dontorriyon Pearson of Paducah, got out and tried to escape on foot. As he ran, deputies say they saw him throwing items, which were later found. They included almost 9 ounces of marijuana and 28 cartridges of cannabis vape oil. A vehicle search revealed hydrocodone pills and a 9mm handgun. Deputies also seized almost $800 cash. 

Pearson was jailed on multiple traffic and drug charges. They include speeding (26 mph or more over the limit), disregarding a stop sign, fleeing or evading police on foot, tampering with physical evidence, trafficking in marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, and carrying a concealed weapon.

Pearson was taken to McCracken County Jail.