Kenova man jailed after car theft, pursuit

Published 12:00 am Saturday, May 14, 2005

SYBENE - A Kenova, W.Va., man and a Huntington, W.Va., woman are behind bars today in connection with the theft of a car in Huntington and a high-speed chase through the eastern end of Lawrence County.

Charles Baldridge, 28, was charged with fleeing and eluding, receiving stolen property, and resisting arrest. Amanda Daniels, 28, was charged with complicity to receiving stolen property.

Both were taken to the Lawrence County Jail. A third person in the car at the time of the incident, Tracy McDonald, 35, of 4550 State Route 7, Chesapeake, was summoned to appear in Lawrence County Municipal Court in connection with an outstanding warrant.

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Lawrence County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy McDaniel stated in his report that he was

on patrol in the eastern part of the county when he was advised of the theft of a maroon 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse from Huntington. A short time later he witnessed the automobile traveling west on County Road 1 and began pursuit.

According to the report, Baldridge, allegedly the driver of the car, sped up once McDaniel activated his cruiser lights.

McDaniel stated that the

stolen car was "traveling at a high rate of speed, weaving in and out of oncoming traffic."

Baldridge allegedly fled the vehicle after parking it on Township Road 1411 at Sybene. A foot pursuit ensued, with Baldridge allegedly getting into the Ohio River before stepping out and being placed under arrest.

Daniels was arrested shortly thereafter. A background check of all

three people allegedly riding in the car revealed the warrant against McDonald.

The car was returned to its owner.

Both Chesapeake and Huntington police departments assisted sheriff's deputies in the investigation into the incident.