INEZ, Ky. — Two Paintsville residents are in jail following a police chase through two counties Wednesday night that ended in a crash.

A Johnson County sheriff’s deputy attempted to pull over a 2005 Hyundai Excel after running its plate and learning it had been reported stolen Jan. 15. Deputies pursued the vehicle at speeds of up to 85 miles an hour along U.S. 23 and then onto Route 645, where it continued into Inez.

The driver attempted to make a U-turn when he crashed into Martin County Constable Tony Preece, who had joined the chase. The driver continued to try to flee on flat tires, but was easily blocked in and stopped.

Inside the car, officers found meth and a gun.

The driver, 33-year-old John Strong, was arrested and charged with DUI, fleeing police, receiving stolen property, wanton endangerment and other charges.

His passenger, 36-year-old Rikki Spradlin, was also arrested and charged with felon in possession of a handgun, resisting arrest and drug charges.