Couple in custody after leading McCracken Co. deputies on multiple vehicle chases

MCCRACKEN COUNTY, Ky. (KFVS) - A man and woman wanted in McCracken County are now in custody.

Cody Johnson, 31, of South Fulton, Tenn., was arrested on four warrants out of Fulton County, one warrant out of Madison County and two warrants out of Powell County. He’s also facing charges of first-degree fleeing or evading police (motor vehicle), second-degree fleeing or evading police (on foot), theft by unlawful taking (auto), first-degree criminal mischief and resisting arrest.

Andrea Leftridge, 36, of Paducah, is facing charges of first-degree fleeing or evading police (motor vehicle), second-degree fleeing or evading police (on foot), theft by unlawful taking (auto), first-degree criminal mischief and first-degree wanton endangerment.

According to the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office, in the early morning hours of Tuesday, September 12 they learned Cody Johnson was possibly in the Lone Oak Area.

He was wanted on multiple felony warrants and was considered armed and dangerous. They say he has a history of fleeing from law enforcement, drug possession, drug sales and having a gun while being a convicted felon.

At around 4 a.m. on Tuesday, deputies say Johnson was seen in a vehicle in the Lone Oak area. They tried to pull over the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SUV, but the drive sped off in the direction of the southern part of the county.

Deputies say the vehicle drove through multiple fields and wooded areas until it stopped in a creek bed behind a home on Contest Road.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Leftridge. Deputies say she and Johnson ran from the vehicle onto the property of a nearby farm.

According to the sheriff’s office, Leftridge and Johnson stole a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado from the farm and fled from deputies on Contest Road. They say Johnson was driving the truck southbound.

Deputies were able to use “stop sticks” on the truck before it turned on Luigs Lane. They say Johnson was unable to negotiate a curve in the road and hit a tree head-on.

Johnson and Leftridge then ran from the truck.

After a manhunt, the two were found walking in the 6500 block of New Hope Church Road, about 2.3 miles from where they fled, at around 11 a.m. Leftridge surrendered and was taken into custody.

Deputies say Johnson ran into a horse pasture when he saw them in the area. K-9 Oscar was released into the pasture and was able to stop Johnson, who was then taken into custody.

The couple were taken to the McCracken County Regional Jail.

The Paducah Police Department, Carlisle County Sheriff’s Office, Ballard County Sheriff’s Office and Lent’s Towing assisted with the investigation.

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