Conn. man accused of leading Vinton police on 50-mile chase in stolen 18-wheeler before crashing

WELSH, La. (KPLC) - A Connecticut man is accused of stealing an 18-wheeler and leading officers on a chase for nearly 50 miles before crashing.

Kevin G. Morris Jr., 27, of Hartford, was behind the wheel of the 18-wheeler when Vinton officers tried to stop it on I-10 Saturday night, officers said. He then led officers on a chase into Jeff Davis Parish.

Morris was driving the truck erratically, nearly striking multiple people and parked vehicles, police said.

State troopers spiked the truck, and it left a fiery trail on the median before crashing near Welsh. Morris then refused to leave the truck, and officers safely removed him and took him into custody, police said.

No one was hurt, police said.

State police, Sulphur, Westlake, Lake Charles, Iowa and Welsh police, and the Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office assisted in the chase.

Morris was booked with a $75,500 bond on the following charges:

• Aggravated assault upon a peace officer
• Theft of a motor vehicle worth $25,000 or more
• Reckless operation
• Aggravated flight from an officer.