Clarksville man arrested after police chase ends in Louisville crash

A 22-year-old man was arrested Thursday night after leading Clarksville police on a dangerous chase that crossed the Ohio River into Louisville and ended in a crash.

According to a news release from the Clarksville Police Department, officers responded around 8:15 p.m. to a call for service near Walmart on Veterans Parkway. Officers soon located the suspect’s vehicle, driven by 22-year-old Shane A. Leffler, stopped at a traffic light.

As one officer positioned his patrol car in front of Leffler’s vehicle and exited, police said Leffler accelerated forward, attempting to hit the officer and ramming the patrol car. The officer narrowly avoided being struck and quickly returned to his vehicle as the pursuit began.

During the chase, Leffler reportedly rammed the same officer’s car a second time and struck several civilian vehicles before fleeing across the Ohio River into Louisville. The pursuit ended when Leffler crashed on the St. Catherine Street exit ramp off Interstate 65 South.

Police said Leffler exited his vehicle carrying an AK-style rifle and attempted to run from officers, dropping the weapon during the chase. Officers deployed a Taser and took him into custody.

A passenger in Leffler’s vehicle was briefly detained but later released.

Clarksville Police Chief Nathan Walls commended his officers for their restraint and professionalism under dangerous conditions. “This incident reflects just how dangerous this job can be for our people,” Walls said in a statement. “We are grateful that they were able to apprehend this individual safely."

No officers were injured during the incident.

Clarksville Cpl. Justice Kraft added that acts of violence against officers will not be tolerated. “This incident should also serve as a reminder that acts of violence against our officers will not be tolerated and will be met with the fullest extent of the law,” Kraft said.

Leffler faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, resisting law enforcement, criminal recklessness, leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving, theft, and a felony warrant.