MSPD involved in 100 mph pursuit; Owingsville man arrested

An Owingsville man was arrested Monday, hours after he allegedly led authorities on a brief pursuit that reached speeds of 100 miles per hour, according to Mt. Sterling Police.

Christopher Barbee, 25, who initially got away after the MSPD terminated the pursuit for public safety reasons, was arrested hours later at a residence in Bath County on a warrant charging him with multiple alleged offenses, MSPD Lt. Michael Price told the Advocate.

Barbee is lodged in the Montgomery County Regional Jail on charges of operating on a suspended or revoked operator's license; failure to render aid or assistance; leaving the scene of an accident; first-degree wanton endangerment-police officer; first-degree wanton endangerment; disregarding a traffic control device-traffic light; reckless driving; and speeding 26 mph over speed limit, according to booking information at the jail.

Unrelated to the incident, Barbee was also charged with an alleged parole violation, according to a release from the MSPD

He is being held without bond.

Price said the pursuit started after Officer Thomas Wilson was dispatched at 9:19 a.m. to a local restaurant on a trespassing complaint involving a woman who claimed she was being harassed at her workplace, Price said.

When Wilson confronted the man, later reportedly identified as Barbee, Price said Barbee allegedly fled the scene in a white Honda Accord at a high rate of speed.

Officer Wilson attempted to initiate a traffic stop, however, the vehicle allegedly refused to stop, resulting in a pursuit. As speeds approached approximately 100 mph on the Bypass, the pursuit was terminated due to the potential danger to the public and other motorists, a release from the dept. said.

The pursuit was terminated near the Bypass and Camargo Road, Price said.

From the Bypass, Price said authorities believe Barbee fled down Spencer Road.

Following the investigation, an arrest warrant was obtained for Christopher Barbee. He was subsequently located and taken into custody without incident by Wilson and a Kentucky State Police trooper at his residence in Bath County, Price said.

A release on social media by the police dept.  says the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact a detective through the dept.'s website, messenger or by calling 859-498-8899. Tips may be provided anonymously.