Christian County Senior Circuit Judge John Atkins is tired of seeing defendants charged with fleeing the police in his courtroom, and he also isn’t pleased with deals being made by prosecutors for lighter sentences that circumvent state law passed two years ago.
20-year-old Fort Campbell soldier Charles Edwards was charged with speeding, fleeing the police, and criminal mischief following a 2025 pursuit where state police attempted to stop him on Fort Campbell Boulevard. Police said Edwards fled, reaching speeds of around 120 mph on his motorcycle. The pursuit ended when Edwards lost control at the intersection of East 9th Street and Skyline Drive and hit the back of a Hopkinsville Police cruiser, causing minor damage.
In circuit court on Wednesday, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office made a plea offer to Edwards that reduced his charges to a single count of misdemeanor wanton endangerment. The speeding and criminal mischief charges were dismissed. Prosecutors cited Edwards’ military record and his attempt to attend special forces school to further his military career for offering the reduction in charges…