Amish Family Nearly Run Over By “Armed & Dangerous” Suspect in High-Speed Chase

A man driving at “an extreme high rate of speed”, nearly ran over an officer in Bath County, KY. Here’s what happened next…in what sounds like an absolutely crazy pursuit (via FOX 56):

The police claim he was still evading officers onto Highway 60 toward Owingsville before turning onto Peasticks Road and Forge Hill Road, running numerous vehicles off the roadway in the process. Callahan later crashed his vehicle after almost running over an Amish family of six, including two small children walking on foot.

After crashing his vehicle, authorities claim he fled into the woods on foot, and he has not been located at this time.

Sounds like that Amish family was very fortunate and avoided what could have been a terrible tragedy (and sadly this Amish community has known their share of tragedy).

I have to say that lately it’s felt like there have just been more and more of these stories involving Amish people – either directly, or as bystanders, as in this case.

For example, this story recalls the one from three months where another high speed chase reaching 90 MPH ended with the driver hitting an Amish wagon with six children in it (somehow, none were injured).

The pursuit happened several days ago – on the evening of May 23rd. The man’s name is Ritchie Callahan, and it doesn’t appear to be his first altercation with the law.

The Latest

Checking the latest updates, Callahan is still at large and considered “armed and dangerous” (as of 3 PM May 27). This is from Lexington station LEX18:

The Owingsville Police Department reported on May 27 that Callahan is still at large. The department noted that the victims who he almost ran over provided statements to law enforcement.

Callahan reportedly exited his vehicle and ran from police. The department noted that methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were found inside his vehicle.

The department added that authorities in surrounding counties are aiding in the search effort.

Police asked the community to call 911 and report to local law enforcement if you have any information on the whereabouts of Callahan.

So I imagine no one was shocked to read the detail of drugs being found in the suspect’s car. The guy has clearly got a history – as going by this sad collection of mug shots provided by the Owingsville Police Department:

Here’s more on what he’s wanted for, from the Owingsville PD’s post:

Callahan also is actively wanted for a Felony arrest warrant out of Montgomery County for Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree “Police Officer” and Fleeing or Evading Police 1st Degree “Motor Vehicle”. Officers have received information that Callahan was trying to get back to Montgomery County. A witness had spotted Callahan in the early morning hours today’s date in the Peasticks Area.

Officers have been out in the Peasticks area since the incident looking for Callahan. Callahan was last seen wearing jeans and a black t-shirt. Callahan is considered “ARMED AND DANGEROUS”. After the pursuit Callahan is facing 15+ Felony Charges along with numerous misdemeanors and traffic offenses. Callahan showed no due regard to the safety of the public and their lives.

Hopefully he’s swiftly caught, but has managed to evade capture now for four days running.

I should note he escaped in an area with numerous Amish communities (around 1,000 Amish live in Bath County, in three separate settlements – I happened to visit the Peasticks community & others several years ago).

He might believe that an Amish family would be easy to take advantage of, as some criminals do. Here is the Owingsville PD’s full post:

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