McCracken drug investigation leads to I-24 pursuit

A drug investigation in McCracken County led to a pursuit, and ultimately an arrest on Thursday.

The McCracken County Sheriff's Office said detectives attempted to stop a vehicle that was a source of supply for methamphetamine trafficking.

The operator, Ken John Mendiola, refused to stop and fled on Lone Oak Road and I-24.

Deputies said Mendiola drove recklessly through the construction zone both east and west on I-24, passed vehicles on the shoulder and in the median, drove in reverse, and struck two sheriff's cruisers.

His vehicle was finally trapped against the cable barriers by deputies.

Mendiola was charged with five counts of wanton endangerment, as well as drug and traffic offenses.

The Sheriff's Office said Mendiola has a lengthy criminal history which includes assault, convicted felon in possession of a handgun, fleeing or evading police, and hindering prosecution or apprehension.