COVINGTON, Ky. — A Campbell County man is charged with attempted murder of a police officer after Covington police say he tried to hit an officer with his car during a chase.
Around 9:30 p.m. Monday, 44-year-old Donnie Applegate refused to stop after an officer attempted to pull him over for a traffic violation, investigators said.
"Mr. Applegate is a one-man crime wave," said Rob Sanders, Kenton County Commonwealth’s Attorney. "We’re lucky he didn’t hurt a police officer or anyone else. We’ll make sure to take him off the streets for a good long time so we don’t have to worry about him again."
Applegate allegedly led officers on a low-speed pursuit through Covington. That pursuit came to an end at the flood wall near the intersection of East 20th Street near Glenway Avenue.
"When his vehicle wouldn’t go over the crest of the flood wall, he then put the vehicle in reverse and drove at one of the police officers, nearly striking him," Sanders said. "The police officer was fortunately able to get out of the way, but then Mr. Applegate crashed into the officer’s cruiser, totaling the cruiser."
After the crash, Applegate was taken into custody. According to police, no one was injured.
Applegate faces three charges including fleeing, criminal mischief and attempted murder of a police officer.
Sanders said the charges Applegate faces carry 10-20 years in prison for attempting to strike the officer with his vehicle, another 1-5 years for the damage he caused to the vehicle and 1-5 years for fleeing police.
"All of that will be enhanced because Mr. Applegate is eligible as a persistent felony offender," Sanders said. "We intend to pursue those charges to enhance his sentencing. He’ll look at the rest of his life in prison before we’re all done."
Sanders detailed a lengthy criminal history for Applegate in Boone, Kenton and Campbell County. He said Applegate now has four pending felony cases with Kenton County. Prior to Monday’s pursuit, Sanders said Applegate led police on a pursuit while he was allegedly high on methamphetamine.
"Should’ve been in jail in the first place. The last time he was in trouble, he was charged with felony offenses, he was overdosing with meth at the time," he said. "He unfortunately was released from the hospital without notice from police. He was back out on the street last night in order to run from the police yet again.
"We need to recognize the value of the persistent felony offender laws. There are a number of people in Frankfort right now lobbying the legislature to water down laws that increase the punishment for repeat offenders. It’s people like Mr. Applegate that the persistent felony offender statue was written for," Sanders said.
Applegate faced a judge, and a slew of charges Tuesday morning. His bond has been set on this case at $200,000.
"Instead of enjoying the holidays like everyone else, he was putting other peoples’ lives in danger," Sanders said. "We won’t tolerate it anymore. He’s not getting out of jail this time. He’s going to prison for the rest of his life."
He will be in court for a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 1:30 p.m.
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