A Caneyville man who failed to appear in court on a multitude of charges after twice leading police on pursuits in August 2020, and later being arrested on methamphetamine and DUI charges, has been captured by Kentucky State Police.
Joseph R. Parks, 36, was arrested on Horse Branch Loop, in Ohio County, on a failure to appear warrant issued by Grayson County Circuit Court and an indictment warrant issued by the same court.
He was caught after deputies spotted taillights on a farm access road in the 800 block of Richland Road, with Parks fleeing about 200 yards on the access road and making a hard right turn to avoid striking a metal gate. He drove over a fence and 25 yards into dense undergrowth and high grass where he jumped out of the Camaro, with the car traveling only a few more feet before entering a pond and completely submerging.
Parks fled on foot for about 40 yards before he became entangled in a barbed wire fence and was captured by deputies.
In that case, he was originally charged with wanton endangerment of a police officer, theft by unlawful taking (under $10,000), fleeing or evading police (on foot, in a motor vehicle), DUI, criminal mischief, and speeding 26 mph or more over the limit.
Then, in October 2020, Parks and another man were arrested on drug charges after a traffic stop on Watershed Road. He was charged at that time with possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), his second DUI and possession of drug paraphernalia along with several non-moving violations.
Indictment and failure to appear warrants
The indictment warrant stems from the August 2020 incident and charges Parks with theft by unlawful taking (automobile), first-degree wanton endangerment of a police officer, two counts of fleeing or evading police (in a motor vehicle, on foot), DUI, being a persistent felony offender, first-degree criminal mischief, and license to be in possession.
Parks’ failure to appear warrant is related to his October 2020 arrest and accuses Parks of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), giving an officer a false name and possession of drug paraphernalia.
In total, Parks is facing seven felony and two misdemeanor charges, according to court documents.
He is currently being held in the Grayson County Detention Center.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
