Hart Co. man with extensive recent criminal activity steals Kentucky State Police cruiser, wrecking on Hwy 259 south

dakota-wheat-01-24
dakota-wheat-01-24

Wednesday morning a Hart County man with an extensive recent criminal record stole a Kentucky State Police cruiser and crashed the vehicle on Hwy 259 south, near Woosley’s Outfitters.

The incident began when Trooper Jonathan McChesney arrested 25-year-old Dakota Wheat for DUI in Hart County. Trooper McChesney placed Wheat in the back of his cruiser, with Wheat being handcuffed behind his back, according to police.

Trooper McChesney left the cruiser, and while he was away from the vehicle, Wheat was able to bring his cuffed hands to the front of his body and entered the front seat of the cruiser. Wheat then sped away from the scene in the cruiser.

Wheat entered Grayson County and traveled onto Hwy 259 south, where another Trooper utilized spike strips on the fleeing Wheat. Wheat then struck a vehicle just prior entering the Leitchfield city limits, ending the pursuit.

Wheat was arrested and charged with 17 counts, including two counts of wanton endangerment of a police officer, two counts of wanton endangerment, two DUIs (with aggravating circumstances), escape, reckless driving, two counts of fleeing or evading police, three counts of theft by unlawful taking (under $10,000, more than $10,000 and firearm), and possession of a controlled substance (drug unspecified).

Wheat’s recent alleged criminal activity is extensive, as he was arrested in Hart County on July 4, 2017 and charged with wanton endangerment. And on August 19, 2017, Wheat was again arrested in Hart County where he was charged with two counts of robbery and fleeing or evading police.

He is currently being held in the Grayson County Detention Center.

K105 will have more information on this story as it becomes available.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Photo of cruiser courtesy of Sean Napper via Facebook)

By Ken Howlett, News Director

Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000