McKee Man Arrested in Laurel County After Leading Police on Drunken High-Speed Chase

A McKee man is facing his fifth DUI charge after allegedly leading deputies on a drunken high-speed chase Sunday evening. Laurel County Sheriff John Root reported that Laurel Sheriff's Deputy Zach Strong along with Deputy Zach Allen arrested Timothy Lee Pilkin age 38 of McKee, KY on Sunday night March 30, 2025 at approximately 7:57 PM. 

The arrest occurred on KY 30 in London after deputies were dispatched by London - Laurel County 911 Communication Ctr. to a domestic violence complaint where allegedly the female victim was hiding in a closet off Moren Town road. As deputies were arriving in the vicinity of the complaint, 911 dispatch advised that the suspect was fleeing in a purple truck. 

Responding deputies met the purple truck-a Dodge Ram pickup -- advising that it was traveling at a high rate of speed and nearly struck deputies cruisers head-on. Deputies activated their emergency equipment however the vehicle failed to stop, running a stop sign nearly striking motorists, continuing through a traffic light intersection running a red light there at a high rate of speed nearly striking vehicles. Then the vehicle slowed to a stop and stopped on the shoulder of KY 30. 

Deputies were able to take the suspect into custody without further incident. Deputies noted detecting the odor of alcoholic beverages emitting from the subject and determined that he was under the influence. In addition, through investigation deputies learned that he was operating on a DUI suspended license and had previously been charged with DUI on four occasions. 

Timothy Lee Pilkin was charged with fleeing or evading police - first-degree - motor vehicle; operating a motor vehicle under the influence - fourth or more offenses; reckless driving; disregarding a stop sign. 

Pilkin was lodged in the Laurel County correctional center under a $25,000 cash bond while awaiting his next court appearance. Pilkin is due to appear in court on April 08th, 2025.