A Wisconsin man and Florida woman wanted in connection to an out-of-state homicide were arrested after a pursuit in Hopkins County Tuesday night.
According to Kentucky State Police Post 2 spokesman Trooper Brandon McPherson, Trooper Cody Kromer was on patrol in the city limits of Earlington shortly before 8:00 when he heard a call dispatched to observe for a vehicle that was stolen from the Hucks gas station on South Main Street in Madisonville.
Trooper Kromer spotted the stolen vehicle in Earlington and when he activated his emergency equipment, the vehicle reportedly fled a short distance before crashing into a woodline at the end of a dead-end road. Trooper Kromer then reported the driver, 30-year old Derek Hebel of Milwaukee, and his passenger, 28-year old Heather Rouse of Spring Hill, Florida, then fled on foot.
Trooper Kromer reported Hebel was taken into custody after he was found hiding in some heavy brush, while Rouse was arrested a short time later by the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Department after she was located outside a residence.
Following their arrest, Trooper McPherson said it was discovered that Hebel and Rouse were wanted in Wisconsin for homicide.
Hebel and Rouse were lodged in the Hopkins County Detention Center charged with second-degree fleeing or evading police on foot, theft by unlawful taking – auto, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Hebel was also charged with first-degree fleeing or evading police in a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs with aggravating circumstances attached, second-degree criminal mischief, speeding and reckless driving. Rouse was additionally charged with public intoxication.
In addition, Trooper McPherson said Hebel and Rouse were charged with being a fugitive from another state in reference to the Wisconsin homicide warrants.
