The Kentucky State Police apprehended 28-year-old Anthony B. Ortkiesse of Fairdale, KY after a 21-mile pursuit last Tuesday, August 21, that ended with Ortkiesse losing control of his vehicle, running off the road and striking a tree on KY Hwy. 1351.

The incident began with KSP receiving a complaint of an erratic driver on KY Hwy. 55 in Adair County. KSP Trooper Nick Davis spotted the suspect’s vehicle on U.S. 127 and attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled. Davis pursued the vehicle through Clinton and Cumberland counties until Ortkiesse ran off the roadway and struck a tree. Clinton County EMS were called to the scene and Ortkiesse was air lifted to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.

Upon being released from the hospital, Ortkiesse was taken into custody by the Knoxville Police Department and lodged in the Knox County Jail. As of last week, Ortkiesse was still in custody, awaiting extradition to Kentucky.

Ortkiesse has been charged with wanton endangerment in the first degree on a police officer.

The vehicle Ortkiesse was driving was reportedly stolen from La Grange, KY, according to a press release issued by the KSP.

The KSP was assisted by agencies from Adair, Russell, Clinton and Cumberland County, including the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department and Albany Police.

The KSP is requesting any driver who was run off the roadway by this vehicle to contact Detective Mike Dubree at 270-384-4796. The investigation is ongoing by the KSP.

Clinton County EMS worked Tuesday to free Anthony B. Ortkiesse, 28, of Fairdale, Ky after he lost control of his vehicle on KY Hwy. 1351 and struck a tree. Ortkiesse was airlifted to the University of Tennessee Medical Center and treated for his injuries. He was later arressted by the Knoxville Police.