Bell County Man on the Run for Trying to Run Over Deputies Apprehended

From The BSCO and USMS -

Ova Collett - BCDC

On Wedneday July 15, 2026, the Bell County Sheriff's Office (BCSO), with the assistance of the Whitley County Sheriff's Office (WCSO), Pineville Police Department (PPD), and the United States Marshals Service (USMS) - Central Kentucky Fugitive Task Force (CKFTF) London Office, located and arrested Ova Brandon Collett after a 2 month long fugitive investigation on the 4400 Block of Lot Mud Creek Road, Williamsburg, KY. Collett was wanted by the BCSO for:

-Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree - 6 counts

-Fleeing/Evading 1st Degree (motor vehicle) - 2 counts

-Reckless driving

-Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st Degree (meth)

-Probation Violation

-Attempted murder of a Police Officer- 2 counts

50-year-old Lillian Hope Jeffers was also taken into custody for Hindering Prosecution/Apprehension 1st Degree, and Possession of a Controlled Substance - 1st Degree (Methamphetamine) by WCSO Sheriff Bill Elliotte. Sheriff Elliotte transported her to Whitley County Detention Center.

**Original press release regarding the above charges:

Early Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Bell County Deputies were attempting to serve Bell and Laurel County warrants on 39-year-old Ova Brandon Collett of Pineville at a residence on Highway 92.

Collett fled the scene and was later identified as the driver that endangered Bell County highway department workers almost striking them while he sped away from deputies. While traveling at speeds over 100mph, Sgt. Austin Poindexter terminated the pursuit of Collett for safety concerns.

Later Wednesday evening deputies went to apprehend Collett for endangering the welfare of highway workers and Fleeing. Unknown to the deputies was that Collett’s vehicle had been parked behind the residence. As Sgt. Jody Risner walked around the corner of the home he heard the vehicle and saw Collett swerve in his direction putting the deputy in extreme risk of death and serious physical injury. Sgt. Risner was able to move out of the way with no serious injuries, but Collett continued in the direction of K-9 Deputy Keith Fuson with K-9 Steve.

Deputies then fired at Collett causing him to divert from striking the K-9 and he struck a fence line. Collet left the scene at a high rate of speed. His vehicle was found a short distance from the residence on Short Branch Road. He fled the vehicle into a wooded area. There is no evidence suggesting that Collett was injured during the incident.

Inside the vehicle deputies found suspected drugs and drug paraphernalia along with an air pistol with no orange tip and a machete. The Bell County Sheriff’s Department utilized K9 Steve and their drone with forward-looking infrared (FLIR) and was unable to locate Collett.

Bell dispatch requested assistance from other agencies.