ATV strikes police cruiser; causes pursuit trying to flee

Jessica Hatfield

SPRATTSVILLE — A Browning Fork man was taken into custody at 11:45 p.m. Saturday night after he struck a police car and hit an officer with his ATV then fled from law enforcement agents.

According to reports from police, Christopher Lee Ball, 31, was spotted by Gilbert officers on Larry Joe Harless Community Center Dr. on his ATV at night, which is against the town’s ordinance. Patrolman Michael Miller saw Ball pass a truck on his red racing four-wheeler and then continue to drive recklessly. Miller attempted to perform a traffic stop when the ATV began to flee southbound on Rt. 52.

In an attempt to make Ball stop, Patrolman Miller pulled in front of the ATV, but Ball failed to stop, ramming the rear driver side of the cruiser. The ATV then passed the officer and turned onto Ned’s Branch Rd. in Spratsville.

Ball lost control of his ATV when he attempted to climb a hill to evade police. Gilbert Patrolman Robert Johnson, who responded in the cruiser with Patrolman Miller, then exited the cruiser in an attempt to take Ball into custody. Ball, who had regained control of his ATV, allegedly ran over Patrolman Johnson’s leg. Patrolmen Miller and Johnson were finally able to apprehend Ball and take him into custody.

The West Virginia State Police also responded to the call and performed a field sobriety test on the subject. Ball was also administered a breathalyzer test before being taken to Southwestern Regional Jail.

Gilbert Police Department charged Ball with driving suspended for DUI, reckless driving and ATV on the center line.

The West Virginia State Police charged Ball separately for fleeing DUI, assault during the commission of a felony and simple possession.

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Source: http://www.williamsondailynews.com/view/full_story/6952612/article-ATV-strikes-police-cruiser--causes-pursuit-trying-to-flee?instance=secondary_news_left_column

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