Two people accused of stealing a wrecker and ramming a police cruiser fell off a cliff after ditching the stolen vehicle.
Kentucky State Police said 55-year-old Rex Vaughn, of Mt. Vernon, and 40-year-old Thelma Travillian, of Williamsburg, were hospitalized after falling off a “high cliff” and are facing multiple charges in what police indicated was potentially a drug-fueled incident.
State police said troopers were informed Friday night at approximately 9:30 that a wrecker stolen out of Laurel County was spotted by a park ranger backed into a parking space near Cumberland Falls. The vehicle contained both Vaughn and Travillian.
As the park ranger approached the vehicle and attempted to identify the two suspects, Vaughn rammed the ranger’s cruiser, “causing significant damage,” state police said, and fled the scene as a vehicle pursuit was initiated by a McCreary County deputy.
“During the pursuit, the suspect attempted to strike the deputy’s cruiser by putting the wrecker in reverse and accelerating aggressively,” according to state police.
The suspects ultimately eluded law enforcement, but the abandoned wrecker was later located in a wooded area. With the assistance of a thermal imaging drone, troopers determined both suspects had left the scene on foot.
“While looking for the two suspects with the drone they were both located, they had fell from a high cliff,” state police said
“The thermal drone guided troopers to the suspects’ location, where both were found at the base of the cliff with serious injuries. Woodbine Fire and Rescue and the Corbin Fire Department conducted a high-angle recovery to safely extract the individuals,” according to state police.
“Illegal drugs were located at the scene,” police said, “and are believed to have been a contributing factor.”
Both suspects were transported to Baptist Health Corbin.
Vaughn was charged with receiving stolen property (more than $10,000), fleeing or evading police, first-degree wanton Endangerment of a police officer, first-degree criminal mischief, two counts of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine, drug unspecified), possession of marijuana, and prescription controlled substance not in its proper container.
Travillian was charged with possession of controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
