TIMES staff writer

Lafayette Police Officer Kevin Woodard and Officer Jacob Jordan were involved in a high speed chase on Friday, March 4, at approximately 9:30 p.m.

According to Officer Woodard, he was on patrol checking Ellington Motel when he observed a white Pontiac 6000 on Church Street at the 4-way stop at Ellington Drive. He stated that he observed the driver was Leon Davis and he had a suspended license.

After Davis crossed Ellington Drive and continued down Church Street going toward the square, Officer Woodard pulled out behind him. Davis then took off at a high rate of speed. Woodard activated the blue lights and siren and proceeded to get behind Davis. His speed on Church Street exceeded 60 mph. As he approached the square he allegedly turned right onto College Street going toward Highway 52. As he turned right, Davis allegedly did not stop at the stop sign on Church Street and did reportedly almost strike several cars that were entering the square on College Street. As Officer Woodard and Officer Jordan were traveling south on College Street toward 52, Davis's speed reached 60 mph. As he passed Fairlane Drive he got into the oncoming lane and was driving very recklessly. Davis reportedly could not see if there was any oncoming traffic or pedestrians in the roadway. Officer Woodard reported that he was keeping a distance back looking for any hazards. Davis reportedly almost struck a THP unit while approaching Highway 52.

Officer Woodard reported that Davis appeared to have no regard for anyone else on the road. He proceeded through the 4-way stop on Highway 52 without stopping. As they continued down Highway 10, Davis passed approximately 16 cars on double yellow line around curves and over hills and never slowed down.

Officer Woodard stated that as they crossed into Trousdale County they met two county deputies. Officer Woodard and the two Trousdale County deputies were able to box Davis in to get him to stop and take him into custody.

Officer Jordan and TCSD Sgt. Gary Cato took a passenger in the vehicle into custody. The passenger, William Davis, a brother to Davis, reportedly stated he had nothing to do with the incident and only wanted out of the vehicle.

Davis allegedly told Officer Woodard that he did not stop because he did not have a license and he did not want to go to jail.

Upon searching the vehicle, a marijuana roach was found and also a pack of rolling papers. A Mossy Oak straight blade knife was found between the driver and passenger seat. Several pill bottles were found in the vehicle and seven of the bottles had the label scratched off.

Davis was charged with felony evading, two counts of reckless endangerment, driving on suspended, financial responsibility, violation registration law, possession of legend drug (seven counts), and two counts of running a stop sign.

Officer Woodard stated in his report that while traveling on Highway 10, Davis's speeds exceeded 100 mph.

William Davis was released after being questioned at the sheriff's department. He did give a statement to authorities of the chase.