Man Faces 4th DUI After Pursuit Arrest

A Graves County man was arrested on multiple charges, including a 4th DUI, after a pursuit on Friday night.

The Graves County Sheriff's Department was dispatched to US Highway 45 North after getting a complaint of a vehicle stopping at random times in the highway. The caller suggested the driver might be intoxicated.

An officer attempted to pull over the vehicle after seeing it being driven recklessly, but the driver reportedly sped up, exceeding 70 MPH on back roads and in 35 MPH speed zones. Deputies pursued the vehicle from Highway 1276 near Mayfield to Pottsville and then Lowes. Deputies say the driver was on the wrong side of the road, running stop signs, and almost struck several vehicles. 

The pursuit continued south on KY 339 to Fancy Farm. After the driver almost struck an oncoming vehicle, an officer was able to perform a PIT maneuver, causing the vehicle leave the road and overturn. 

The driver, 28-year-old Matthew T. Shultz of Mayfield, was checked by EMS but refused treatment or transportation to a hospital. Officers say he appeared to be under the influence and numerous alcoholic beverage containers were found in the vehicle, but he refused to submit to a breath test. 

Deputies say Schultz has three prior DUI arrests in Calloway, Graves and Jefferson counties. 

He was taken to Graves County Jail, and faces charges of speeding, reckless driving, fleeing or evading, DUI 4th offense with aggravating circumstances, eight counts of disregarding a stop sign, wanton endangerment, wanton endangerment of a police officer, criminal mischief, and possession of an open alcohol container in a vehicle.