Friday chase suspect charged with DUI
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, April 12, 2006
A driver who led law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase Friday afternoon was driving under the influence of alcohol, according to Greenville police.
Kenneth Ray Hill, 27, of Brundidge was charged with DUI, and a list of traffic violations, including two counts of reckless endangerment, two counts of leaving the scene of the accident, reckless driving, attempting to elude police and driving with a revoked license, according to Lt. Anthony Barganier.
The chase ended when Hill lost control of his vehicle and wrecked on Highway 10 near the I-65 junction. Hill was knocked unconscious and transported to L.V. Stabler Memorial Hospital. He was then released, charged, and taken to the Butler County Jail, according to Barganier.
Barganier said officers pursuing Hill reported the suspect reached speeds topping 110 miles per hour on occasion.
Butler County Sheriff Diane Harris said the chase started at the A&M Country Store on the Luverne Highway when Hill rear-ended a driver and failed to stop. Hill then led officers through the heart of downtown Greenville, swiping the side of the underpass before ramming another vehicle at the intersection of W. Commerce St. and N. College St.
“We're very fortunate no innocent people were seriously injured during this chase,” said Barganier.
Just before reaching the Glenn Moody Bridge, Lt. Gary Martin said Hill swerved to avoid a stopped SUV and lost control of the vehicle.
Martin said the car spun and went airborne, its rear-end striking a number of trees along the side of the road before coming to rest in the middle of Highway 10.
Rescue personnel removed an unconscious Hill from the backseat of the vehicle, said Martin.
The accident left the automobile totaled. Police had to remove the car's bumper from the trees in order to read the Mississippi license plate.