LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky State Police (KSP) have recovered multiple vehicles involved in a stolen vehicle ring operating in multiple states.
Police said suspects traveled to Kentucky, using fake identification to buy cars from local dealers.
St. Matthews police became aware of the ring when they got a call on Saturday from Craig and Landreth. The dealership told them something didn't add up with someone who bought a high end vehicle and attempted to do it again the next day.
Police were waiting at the lot when the suspect came back Saturday.
"One of our officers made contact with that person. As he was talking to that person, he learned that person's child was in danger if they did not return with the vehicle they were sent there to purchase on Saturday," Det. Lisa Doyle said.
Police were able to quickly ensure the child was out of harm's way, almost at the same time KSP stopped stolen vehicles outside Jefferson County.
KSP said they were notified by St. Matthews Police on Saturday to help them find several vehicles seen traveling on I-65 that were linked to an ongoing investigation.
According to a news release, police said a white Chevrolet Corvette was found near the Bullitt County line. They said officials stopped the Corvette without incident but then observed a burgundy Corvette headed southbound on I-65 South traveling in speeds excess of 123 mph.
Troopers began pursuing the second Corvette but lost sight of it before it exited the 94-mile marker. It was later found abandoned at the Five Star on North Mulberry.
While trying to locate that car, troopers spotted two other vehicles they said were reported stolen on North Mulberry near the Speedway gas station. KSP said troopers used their emergency lights to stop one of the vehicles, a BMW. When that vehicle was stopped, the driver got out and ran.
The other vehicle, a Jeep Trailhawk, fled and turned west onto Ring Road, but troopers lost track of the vehicle during the pursuit. Elizabethtown Police found the vehicle later submerged in Freeman Lake. They said the driver got out of the vehicle and ran before it went into the water.
The four vehicles recovered are expected to be turned over to St. Matthews Police and charges relating to the thefts will also be handled by them.
So far, three suspects have been arrested, and police are still looking for four more.
The operator of the BMW was described as a Black male last seen wearing white shorts, white shirt and white Croc shoes. He was in the area of the Speedway and Motel 6 on North Mulberry.
The other male was seen near Freeman Lake wearing red and black shorts with braided hair.
If you have any information on these individuals, you are asked to contact KSP Post 4 at (270) 766 – 5078 or St. Matthews Police at 502-893-9000.
The investigation is ongoing.
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