FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) — A drug trafficking investigation in the Cow Creek community Wednesday led to two arrests after deputies say a suspect tried to flee and caused significant property damage.

According to the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were following up on multiple tips about suspected drug activity in the area when they located a vehicle matching the description provided by residents. As deputies approached, the driver accelerated toward one of the deputies, then threw the vehicle into reverse in an attempt to escape.

Deputies say the vehicle backed through ditches and over an embankment before crashing onto private property, damaging vehicles and other items on the homeowner’s land. The vehicle then overturned.

The driver, identified as Billy J. Shepherd, 52, of Martin, climbed out of the wreckage and ran through a creek and into the mountains. Deputies deployed K9 Zoe, who tracked Shepherd within minutes, leading officers directly to him. Shepherd was taken into custody without further incident.

A passenger, Randall Minor, was also detained. Deputies say he was wanted on multiple outstanding warrants.

Shepherd faces several charges including first-degree wanton endangerment (two counts), first- and second-degree fleeing or evading police, resisting arrest, first-degree criminal mischief, and multiple traffic violations.

Both men were transported to the Floyd County Jail.