MUNFORDVILLE, Ky. — The Office of the 10th Judicial Circuit Commonwealth’s Attorney is warning drivers, particularly young motorists, about the serious legal consequences of fleeing law enforcement during traffic stops, citing an increase in cases across the region.

In a public service announcement issued Tuesday, Commonwealth’s Attorney Kyle Williamson said his office has become increasingly concerned by what it describes as an “alarming rise” in drivers attempting to evade police.

According to the office, Nelson County alone saw three fleeing and evading cases over the weekend.

Officials said the crime poses significant risks not only to pursuing officers, but also to other motorists, pedestrians and the fleeing driver.

The warning also highlights changes made by the Kentucky General Assembly in 2024 that significantly increased penalties for fleeing and evading police.

Under the changes, first-degree fleeing or evading police was elevated from a Class D felony to a Class C felony, carrying a prison sentence of five to 10 years. Second-degree fleeing or evading was increased from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class D felony, punishable by one to five years in prison.

The law also requires anyone convicted of either offense to serve at least 50% of their sentence before becoming eligible for probation or parole.

“There is no probation/diversion for this crime,” the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office said. “If you are convicted, you are going to prison. Prosecutors and judges do not have the ability to circumvent this legislation.”

The office said many of those charged with fleeing and evading are young people with little or no prior criminal history.

As a result, officials said some young adults are beginning their lives with felony convictions and lengthy prison sentences because they chose to flee from a lawful traffic stop.

“There are a myriad of collateral consequences these young people must face from then on, all for making the choice to flee from law enforcement,” the release states.

The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is encouraging drivers, and especially parents of teenage and young adult drivers, to discuss the consequences of fleeing police.

“There is no reasonable or rational justification for not pulling over safely; and by not doing so, you put yourself and others in grave danger,” the office said. “We hope that with education on this topic, we can mitigate this crime and make our roadways safer for everyone.”

The statement was issued by Williamson and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorneys Jason Floyd, Whitney Meredith and Brooke Talley, who serve Nelson, Larue and Hart counties.