Pursuit Leads to Arrest
The operator of the vehicle was identified as Mark Poenitski
Madisonville, KY (Hopkins County) – On August 16, 2018, at approximately 7:12 PM, the Kentucky State Police Post 2 in Madisonville received a call from Henderson County Sherriff’s Office notifying they were in pursuit of a blue Town and Country van south bound on I-69 coming into the Post 2 district.
Troopers Cody Kromer and Brian Graves set up at the 120 mile marker south bound after getting authority to deploy a tire deflation device. When the vehicle approached the area of Trooper Graves, who was outside of his vehicle to deploy his tired deflation device, the operator swerved in attempt to strike Trooper Graves with his vehicle. Trooper Graves was able to dive out of the path of the vehicle without being struck.
The vehicle continued south bound and entered Madisonville where he was apprehended by Madisonville Police Department. The operator of the vehicle was identified as Mark Poenitski, 21, of Evansville, Indiana.
Mr. Poenitski was lodged in the Hopkins County Detention Center where Trooper Graves charged him with the following:
1.) Wanton Endangerment- 2nd Degree
2.) Attempted Murder- Police Officer
3.) Fleeing or Evading Police Officer, First Degree (Motor Vehicle)
4.) Speeding 26 MPH or > Speed Limit
5.) Reckless Driving
6.) Disregarding Traffic Control Device- Traffic Light
7.) No Other State Registration Receipt