A Greenfield man is being held in the Fayette County Jail on several felony charges after leading police on a short vehicle pursuit Friday in Washington Court House.
Donovan S. Knisley, 21, has been charged with failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer (a third-degree felony), having weapons while under disability (a third-degree felony), improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle (a fourth-degree felony), illegal use or possession of drug paraphernalia (a fourth-degree misdemeanor), and a failure to comply bench warrant.
Just after 4:30 p.m. Friday while on patrol, a Washington Police Department officer initiated a traffic stop on Columbus Avenue near South Elm Street for a cracked windshield violation. The driver — later identified as Knisley — began to flee in his vehicle through the parking lot of Washington Square and then back onto South Elm Street southbound, according to reports.
Knisley allegedly drove around several cars during moderate traffic conditions at nearly double the posted speed limit. The vehicle turned onto Washington Avenue from South Elm Street and then onto Worley Street to Yeoman Street.
Knisley then reportedly slowed the vehicle and exited it while it was still in drive. He surrendered by lying down on the street. The vehicle lurched forward and struck a parked, unoccupied vehicle in the 800 block of Yeoman Street.
Knisley was arrested and during the search of his vehicle, a Glock 27 .40 caliber pistol was located with a loaded magazine inside the gun. A set of digital scales with residue was also found inside a backpack, according to reports.
Police found that Knisley had previously been convicted of aggravated possession of drugs on Oct. 23, 2019. He also had an active felony warrant through the Highland County Sheriff’s Office.
He is being held in jail on a $25,250 bond.
Reach Record-Herald Editor Ryan Carter at 740-313-0352.