Firing At Police During Pursuit Results In Attempted Murder Charge
PORTLAND, TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – A suspect wanted in connection with an officer-involved shooting in the Springfield area is facing an attempted murder charge after Portland Police say multiple rounds were fired at an officer during a pursuit that crossed into Kentucky.
According to the Portland Police Department, officers received a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) Saturday, Sept. 19, for a vehicle reportedly connected to an officer-involved shooting in the Springfield area.
A short time later, Portland Police were notified that the vehicle had been detected by an Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) in White House. The vehicle was associated with a Missing Person Alert and was last known to be traveling toward Portland.
While in the area of Vaughn Parkway, a Portland Police officer spotted the vehicle exiting the interstate at the northbound Exit 121 ramp. At approximately the same time, the vehicle triggered the same Missing Person Alert through Portland’s ALPR system.
Police say the officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused to stop and fled at a high rate of speed, reentering I-65 northbound.
A pursuit followed. According to Portland Police, during the pursuit, an occupant of the vehicle fired multiple rounds at the pursuing Portland Police officer.
The pursuit continued across the Tennessee-Kentucky state line. The vehicle ultimately became disabled after exiting I-65 at Exit 20 in Kentucky.
Police identified the driver as Edward Brown. According to Portland Police, Brown exited the vehicle armed with a handgun before he and the passenger fled on foot into a nearby field.
Both eventually surrendered and were taken into custody. No law enforcement officers, suspects or members of the public were injured during the incident.
During a subsequent search of the area, K9 Rocky with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office located a handgun in the field near the area where Brown surrendered. Rocky is trained in firearm-odor detection.
According to Portland Police, the recovered handgun is believed to be connected to the shootings involving law enforcement officers in Tennessee and Kentucky. The firearm was recovered as evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.
The passenger and registered owner of the vehicle was identified as Anastasia Payton. Police said Payton had previously been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) as a missing person.
Kentucky State Police charged Brown with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, fleeing or evading police by motor vehicle, fleeing or evading police on foot, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon and unlawful imprisonment.
Payton was charged with fleeing or evading police on foot and possession of marijuana.
Kentucky authorities have assumed custody of both individuals and are continuing their investigation. Additional information regarding the incident, including any additional charges, is expected to be released by the appropriate investigating agencies in Kentucky and Tennessee as it becomes available.
Portland Police credited the Kentucky State Police, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin Police Department and numerous other public safety agencies throughout Kentucky and Tennessee for their response and assistance during the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The charges and allegations referenced in this report are accusations of criminal conduct and are not evidence of guilt. Brown and Payton are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt through due process of law.
