Man arrested after police chase from Clarksville ends with crash in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A 22-year-old man was arrested Thursday night after leading police on a chase that crossed the Ohio River from Clarksville, Indiana, to Louisville.

According to a news release, Clarksville police responded to a "call for service" on Veterans Parkway near Walmart around 8:15 Thursday night. Officers spotted the suspect vehicle at a traffic light and attempted to make a stop, with one police vehicle positioned in front of the suspect's vehicle.

As the officer got out of his patrol car, the suspect "accelerated forward, attempting to strike the officer and ramming the patrol car." The officer was nearly struck but made it back inside his car. That's when the suspect took off with officers in pursuit.

During the chase, the suspect rammed the same officer's vehicle a second time. He also hit several other civilian vehicles. The pursuit continued across the river into Louisville, and ended when the vehicle crashed on the St. Catherine exit ramp off Interstate 65 South.

Police said the suspect -- now identified as 22-year-old Shane A. Leffler -- got out of the vehicle carrying an AK-style rifle and ran from officers, dropping the weapon in the process. Officers caught up with the suspect and tased him before taking him into custody.

Leffler is facing numerous charges, including: attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, resisting law enforcement, criminal recklessness, leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving and theft.

A passenger in the vehicle was also briefly detained, but was later released.

Clarksville Police Chief Nathan Walls said the chase underscores the dangers of serving as a police officer.

"This incident reflects just how dangerous this job can be for our people," Clarksville Police Chief Nathan Walls said in the release. "We are grateful that they were able to safely apprehend this individual."

No officers were injured during the chase.

In a written statement, Clarksville Cpl. Justice Kraft said "This incident should also serve as a reminder that acts of violence against our officers will not be tolerated and will be met with the fullest extent of the law."

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