Pulaski County authorities arrest Somerset man for multiple charges

SOMERSET, Ky. (WTVQ/Press Release) – Pulaski County Sheriff’s deputies encounters with Jonathan “Toby” Whiles led to charges ranging from fleeing or evading police to wanton endangerment.

According to the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, around 10:12 a.m. on July 12, deputies were sent out to Morgan Lane to investigate a domestic in progress call. When they got to the scene, they encountered Whiles sitting in the driver’s side seat of a vehicle. Deputy Trent Massey ordered Whiles to turn the vehicle off and to step out because he had outstanding warrants. Whiles put the vehicle in drive and sped out of the driveway sideswiping Deputy Kyle Edwards’ and Deputy Massey’s crusiers throwing gravel on the deputies. Both deputies attempted to follow him but were unable to locate him after he exited the driveway.

Close to 10:40 a.m., Deputy Massey saw Whiles driving in the exact vehicle on E. Hwy 1248, making a right turn going westbound onto W Hwy 80. Deputy Massey got behind
him, and Whiles began to accelerate. Deputy Massey activated his emergency equipment in an attempt to stop Whiles. Whiles then began passing vehicles in a no passing zone and drove for a distance in the opposing lane of traffic, running several vehicles off the road and almost hitting them head-on. Deputy Massey stopped the pursuit for public safety reasons.

The damage to Deputy Massey’s issued cruiser was estimated to be $7,794.51, and Deputy Edwards’ was estimated to be $5,149.80.

After charging Whiles with numerous offenses and getting a signed warrant, deputies continued searching for him throughout the day and night.

911 dispatch received a tip at 9:58 p.m. that Whiles was on Hickory Nut Ridge Road in western Pulaski County and that he had made the statement that he was not going back to jail. Deputies responded to his location and got in a foot pursuit of him. They were not able to locate him in the darkness.  The vehicle that had struck the Deputies cruisers earlier that day was located and seized as evidence.

On July 13 at 11:34 a.m., dispatch received another tip: Whiles was back at 95
Hickory Nut Ridge Road. Sergeant Zach Mayfield and Deputy Edwards went to his
location to arrest him. At around 12:30 p.m., the deputies were able to arrest Whiles. After the arrest, Whiles started acting like he was having a medical issue, so deputies transported him to the hospital. At the hospital, he was treated and cleared to be lodged in jail.

Deputies transported Whiles to jail, where he remains lodged. His bond currently stands at $25,000 cash or secured property.

Jonathan Toby Whiles, age 37, of Pine Hill Lane, Somerset, Kentucky, was charged with the
following charges:
• Fleeing or Evading Police, 1st Degree (Motor Vehicle) (2 Counts)
• Wanton Endangerment – 1
st Degree – Police Officer (2 Counts)
• Wanton Endangerment – 1
st Degree
• Criminal Mischief, 1st Degree (2 Counts)
• Leaving the Scene of Accident – Failure to Render Aid or Assistance
• Reckless Driving
• Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition Under $500 (Warrant) Bond $5,000 Cash at
10%.

This case remains under investigation by Deputy Trent Massey. Pending further investigation, further charges may be forthcoming.