A Hartford has been charged with attempted murder of a police officer after hitting a deputy with a vehicle.
According to the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, at approximately 8:00 Friday morning, detectives observed 26-year-old Donnie Alan Simpson, who law enforcement knew had multiple arrest warrants, driving on Hwy 231 in Beaver Dam.
Police surrounded Simpson, who remained in a vehicle, at a business on Hwy 231 south in Beaver Dam. When officers approached Simpson, he put the vehicle in gear and “struck a sheriff’s deputy with the vehicle,” according to the sheriff’s office.
After being struck, the deputy jumped out of the way of Simpson’s vehicle as it continued, striking a cruiser. Simpson then fled north on Hwy 231.
Police, including the deputy who was struck, pursued the suspect until he lost control of the vehicle and crashed in a cornfield. Simpson then fled on foot but was soon captured.
He was charged with attempted murder (police officer), first-degree assault of a police officer, fleeing or evading police, first-degree criminal mischief, and driving on a DUI suspended license. Simpson was also served with multiple failure to appear warrants.
Simpson is being held in the Ohio County Detention Center on three bonds totaling $25,225.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
