LOUISA, Ky. — A Floyd County couple is in jail, after allegedly stealing a car from a Lawrence County gas station, then leading police on a chase.
Police were called to the Louisa Zip Zone just before 1:30 Monday morning over a report that a 2018 Dodge Journey had been stolen from the parking lot. An officer caught up with the vehicle on Route 1760 and attempted to pull it over, but it sped away instead.
During the ensuing chase, the car forced another car to crash, resulting in minor injuries to the other driver.
The driver — later identified as Stephanie Hamilton, 42, of Hi Hat — and passenger — Jason Hamilton, 44, of Teaberry — then abandoned the car in the middle of the road and fled on foot. They were later found hiding in a nearby barn and arrested.
Stephanie Hamilton told police she saw the owner get out and leave the vehicle running, so she took it. She was charged with auto theft, fleeing police and reckless driving.
Jason Hamilton told police he didn’t know the car was stolen until after he got inside. He was charged with complicity to the auto theft and fleeing charges.
Both are being held in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center, in Paintsville.
