Meth-Impaired Driver Who Led Officers Across KY-OH Border Sentenced to 20 Years

A Covington man with a lengthy history of violent and high-risk crimes is headed to prison for two decades after a series of dangerous police pursuits that crossed state lines and put the public in harm’s way.

On October 30, 2025, 33-year-old Colin William Gosney pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges stemming from a chaotic day-long chase last year. The charges included two counts of 1st Degree Fleeing Police, 3rd Degree Fleeing Police, 1st Degree Wanton Endangerment, 3rd Degree Assault on a Police Officer, and DUI. Kenton Circuit Judge Kate Molloy accepted the plea and followed Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Sanders’ recommendation, sentencing Gosney to 20 years in prison.

A Repeat Offender With a History of Violence

Gosney was no stranger to law enforcement. His record includes convictions for robbery, burglary, assault, escape, wanton endangerment, and theft. According to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office, his history played a significant role in the sentencing recommendation — reflecting the persistent risks he posed to public safety and law enforcement.

Pursuit Begins in Covington, Ends in Dramatic Arrest

The events leading to Gosney’s arrest unfolded on September 16, 2024. Covington Police Officer Kyle Shepard identified a Toyota Camry matching the license plate of a vehicle that had fled police earlier that day. After stopping briefly in a gas-station lot at Pike & Main Streets, the driver accelerated away just as Officer Shepard approached on foot.

With Officer Matthew Raabe assisting, police pursued the car down Pike Street and onto northbound Interstate 75, reaching speeds over 80 mph. The pursuit was halted when the suspect crossed into Ohio — but that wasn’t the end of the chaos.

Roughly 30 minutes later, Cincinnati Police alerted dispatch that the same vehicle was headed back into Kentucky. Crossing the bridge into Covington once again, the chase resumed, continuing past schools, neighborhoods, and businesses — endangering countless motorists and pedestrians.

Violent End to a High-Risk Chase

The pursuit came to an abrupt stop when the driver attempted a U-turn near Kyle’s Lane and collided with a Cincinnati Police cruiser. The impact disabled the vehicle, knocking off a wheel and forcing the driver to flee on foot.

Officers from Park Hills, Fort Wright, Fort Mitchell, and Covington quickly apprehended Gosney — but not before he resisted arrest and bit one of the officers on the hand. Officers noted signs of methamphetamine intoxication, and drug paraphernalia was recovered from the vehicle.

Prosecutor: “Make an Example of Fleeing Felons”

Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Sanders emphasized the dangers of high-speed pursuits — not only to police but to innocent residents.

“Police pursuits are inherently dangerous,” Sanders said. “They put the lives of the police officers and innocent bystanders at risk.” He underscored the challenges law enforcement faces when deciding whether to engage in or call off a pursuit, noting the public criticism police can face regardless of the outcome.

Sanders added that strong sentences are necessary to deter similar behavior. “Running from police three times in less than twenty-four hours is absurdly dangerous. That’s why this career criminal received such a hefty sentence.”