A dramatic police pursuit through Laurel County ended with the arrest of a 26-year-old man following a crash and an intense search through the woods late Saturday night.
Authorities from the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office were called to an altercation at an apartment complex when a vehicle suddenly sped away from the scene. The driver, later identified as Michael Root Jr., led deputies on a fast-moving chase that quickly turned dangerous.
Tension erupted in Laurel County as a late-night fight spiralled into a high-speed chase, a collision, and a manhunt through dense woodland, all ending with a dramatic arrest.
During the pursuit, deputies say Root hit the brakes sharply on a wet stretch of road. This manoeuvre caused a trailing police cruiser to crash, highlighting the dangers law enforcement officers face during such chases.
The sheriff’s office reported: “The suspect then ran into the woods.” Officers immediately launched a search operation.
Using a drone to track the fleeing suspect, deputies managed to locate and apprehend him without further confrontation. Authorities confirmed Root had three active warrants at the time of his arrest.
Root now faces a string of charges, including:
- Fleeing or evading police
- Wanton endangerment
- Additional charges linked to his outstanding warrants
The deputy involved in the crash was taken to the hospital for treatment and has since been released. The Sheriff’s Office did not release the deputy’s identity but confirmed they are expected to make a full recovery.
This incident has once again raised concerns over the safety risks officers face during routine call-outs that unexpectedly escalate. The investigation remains ongoing.
