ELKINS – An Ohio man has been charged with attempted murder after attempting to hit a police officer and fleeing the scene.
According to police, Kevin Strickland, 33, of Sunbury, Ohio, was stopped by an Elkins Police Department officer on March 27 for a non-working headlight.
When Strickland admitted to having marijuana in the car, the officer directed him to exit the vehicle. According to police, instead of exiting the vehicle, Strickland sped away.
Strickland then made a U-turn and accelerated toward police in an attempt to hit them. At that point, the officer stated that his only option was to jump behind the patrol car and save his life.
Strickland then drove through Elkins on Davis Avenue and Randolph Avenue at speeds of up to 90 mph in a 25-mph zone. While driving recklessly through the city, he almost hit several cars.
Strickland was arrested on April 10 and charged with attempted murder and fleeing with reckless disregard. He is being held at Tygart Valley Regional Jail on a $100,000 cash-only bail.