BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

PRESTONSBURG — The Prestonsburg City Police apprehended a man they labeled a “violent felon” Feb. 21. The capture of Thomas Price of Johnson County followed a high-stakes chase and an intense manhunt that spanned several hours.

The pursuit began when Sgt. Darrell Preston identified a late model two-door Honda sedan driven by Price, a man with a notorious history of fleeing law enforcement and brandishing a firearm during his escape. Recognized for his involvement in multiple violent felonies and classified as a persistent felony offender, Price was considered armed, dangerous and a flight risk.

Sgt. Preston attempted a traffic stop, but Price fled along KY 114 at Archer Park, U.S. 23 to Abbott Creek and around the Bonanza and Bee Fork areas. Although the vehicle was later found and Price’s passenger detained, the initial manhunt for Price proved fruitless.

In a strategic move, officers vacated the area to give Price a false sense of security to attempt an escape. This led to a tip at around 6:30 p.m. when a 911 caller reported Price attempting to break into nearby homes, asking to use a phone.

As Ptl. Keegan Williams, Ptl. Chris Allen, Police Chief Ross Shurtleff, and FCSO Deputy Kris Hall converged on the scene, Price fled on foot. Attempting to hide, he forced entry into the home of an elderly disabled woman. Ptl. Williams made forced entry into the home, leading to a brief struggle before he arrested Price.

Following his arrest, Price was taken to the Floyd County Jail on his warrants and a slew of felony charges related to his flight, resistance, and unlawful forced entry into a private residence.