A 32-year-old Indiana man was arrested Saturday after allegedly fleeing from law enforcement and climbing over the railing of the William Natcher Bridge over the Ohio River.
Christopher Knabal was taken into custody after Daviess County Sheriff's Office deputies, with assistance from multiple agencies, responded to the area of U.S. Highway 60 East and Iceland Spur near Maceo at about 1:50 p.m.
According to the Daviess County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky State Police requested assistance after receiving a report that a man with several active warrants had fled into nearby woods.
Daviess County deputies helped KSP establish a perimeter, while the sheriff's office drone and K-9 units also responded.
Knabal was eventually spotted walking on the William Natcher Bridge toward Indiana, according to the sheriff's office.
A Daviess County deputy approached Knabal, who allegedly ran from deputies and refused orders to stop, resulting in a foot chase.
Knabal then climbed over the bridge's railing in a section spanning the Ohio River in an attempt to evade law enforcement, according to the sheriff's office. It initially was unclear whether he had jumped from the bridge.
The Daviess County and Owensboro fire departments responded with rescue boats and determined that Knabal was hiding on the lower side of the bridge.
Daviess County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Matt Alexander eventually climbed over the bridge railing and made contact with Knabal. After a brief discussion, Alexander convinced Knabal to climb back over the railing and surrender, according to the sheriff's office.
Knabal was charged with third-degree fleeing or evading police, third degree and first-degree wanton endangerment, of a police officer
He was transported by KSP to the Daviess County Detention Center, where he faces charges from both the sheriff's office and KSP.
The bridge was closed to all traffic for approximately an hour before reopening.
Agencies assisting with the incident included KSP, Daviess County Sheriff's Office, Owensboro-Daviess County Central Dispatch, Spencer County Sheriff's Office, Rockport Police Department, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, Daviess County Fire Department, Yelvington Fire Department, Owensboro Fire Department and AMR Ambulance Service.
"The swift response as well as close coordination and communication of all these agencies led to a safe and successful resolution to this situation. I am especially proud of Sergeant Matt Alexander for bravely approaching the suspect at his own risk which convinced him to surrender," Sheriff Brad Youngman said.
The sheriff's office added that KSP likely will provide additional information regarding its charges and involvement in the incident.
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