Boyle County Sheriff Deputies were conducting a highway safety checkpoint on KY 33 and Hughley Lane at the Boyle and Mercer County line Thursday around 9 p.m., when they observed a dark blue SUV approaching the checkpoint, then abruptly stopped and turned around.

A deputy began to follow the vehicle towards Burgin and developed probable cause to initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated. The SUV appeared to sideswipe another motorist shortly after the pursuit began and continued toward Harrodsburg. Other deputies responded to the area to locate the vehicle that was side swiped but was unable to locate that vehicle.

Speeds reached 110 mph as the SUV continued north on US 127. As deputies approached Anderson County, it was decided to terminate the pursuit. Deputies canvassed the area and located the SUV behind a church on Clay Lick Church Road in Anderson County.

Through a subsequent investigation, it was determined that James McMurray, of Anderson County, was in operation of the vehicle. He was placed under arrest at a nearby residence as he was found hiding in a closet. McMurray was charged with multiple felony charges in both Mercer and Anderson Counties.

McMurray was charged with the following:

• Wanton Endangerment, 1st Degree
• Fleeing or Evading Police, 1st Degree (Motor Vehicle)
• Reckless Driving
• Speeding 26 mph or greater
• Driving DUI Suspended License (Aggravated)
• Disregarding Stop Sign
• Failure to Signal
• No Tail Lights
• License Plate not Legible
• Possession of Controlled Substance 1st Degree, 1st Offense
• Possession of Marijuana.

Special thanks to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, Harrodsburg Police Department, Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky State Police, Danville 911, and Bluegrass 911 for their assistance.

The department asks that if your vehicle was side swiped on KY 152 between Burgin and Harrodsburg, please contact Danville 911 and request to speak to a deputy.