According to police, 23-year-old Harold D. Nichols of Rutherford, TN, was driving a car in the city limits of Fulton around 1:10 am on Wednesday when a Fulton police officer attempted to make a traffic stop. State police said the vehicle Nichols was driving had been reported stolen on Tuesday from a car dealership in Mayfield.
Nichols failed to stop for the officer and a pursuit ensued. At times the pursuit reached speeds near 120 miles per hour, according to police. A Kentucky State Police Trooper joined the pursuit on KY 129 as Nichols continued to flee out of Fulton. Members of the Graves and Hickman county sheriff's departments also joined the pursuit.
Near the Hickman County line, police said Nichols lost control of his car, ran off the left side of the roadway and collided with a tree. Police said Nichols was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the car.
Nichols was pronounced dead at the scene by the Hickman County Coroner’s Office. Police said speed and a failure to wear a seat belt were contributing factors in the crash. Toxicology results are pending.
Troopers are continuing their investigation into the collision and death of Nichols. The Graves County Sheriff’s Department is continuing their investigation into the auto theft complaint.
