The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Police/Courts

November 3, 2009

Man leads police on chase before being apprehended

Michelle James

A 44-year-old Beckley man fled from a traffic stop, crashed into a house and took off on foot before he was apprehended Monday afternoon, city police said.

Sgt. Paul Blume said the incident began when he pulled over a speeding vehicle driven by William Timothy Gilbert near Memorial Baptist Church on South Kanawha Street.

Gilbert took off in the car as Blume approached and then led the officer on a pursuit that covered South Kanawha, South Fayette, E, F, Lincoln, Massey and Russell streets as well as Johnstown Road.

Blume said Gilbert attempted to drive through the backyard of a residence at 311 Johnstown Road, but slammed into the back of the house, where he abandoned the car and took off on foot.

Blume said Gilbert ran toward his residence on Powerline Drive and was apprehended at his doorway by Detective Cpl. Jamie Blume.

Blume said Gilbert was under the influence of drugs and alcohol and the 1995 Pontiac Bonneville he was driving contained alcohol and drug paraphernalia.

Gilbert was charged with DUI, fleeing police, obstructing and driving on a suspended license. Also, Blume said, the vehicle he was driving had improper inspection and registration stickers and no insurance.

Blume said Gilbert was also charged with shoplifting from the Beckley Advance Auto Parts store earlier Monday afternoon.

The DUI arrest was made by Patrolman P.W. Conley and Blume said several additional Beckley police units assisted in the pursuit.

— E-mail: mjames@register-herald.com

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