Suspect Crashes Into Church After Sideswipe Collision With Kentucky Police Cruiser

20-year-old Brenton Howland faces multiple charges across three counties after high-speed chase

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:08am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car sensor lens reflecting a faint red light, conceptually representing the aftermath of a high-speed collision during a police chase.The violent collision during a high-speed police chase leaves behind damaged evidence of the suspect's reckless actions.Xenia Today

Newly released video shows the moment a suspect sideswiped a police cruiser before crashing into a church during a chase in northern Kentucky. Brenton Howland, 20, faces multiple criminal charges in three different counties after allegedly forcing the baby's mother out of the car and driving off, leading to a high-speed pursuit by deputies in Boone County.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers of high-speed police chases and the potential for innocent bystanders to be put at risk, as well as the challenges law enforcement face in safely apprehending suspects who are willing to engage in reckless behavior to evade capture.

The details

Investigators said Sgt. Jeff Nagy was injured when Howland sideswiped his cruiser just before the collision with the church. Neighbor Mark Carnahan described the chaotic scene, saying he heard 'all these sirens' and 'an explosion' as the cars collided. Authorities confirmed that Sgt. Nagy and the baby are both OK, and the child has been reunited with their mother.

  • The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on April 18, 2026.

The players

Brenton Howland

A 20-year-old suspect who faces multiple criminal charges in three different counties after allegedly forcing the baby's mother out of the car and driving off, leading to a high-speed chase.

Sgt. Jeff Nagy

A police officer who was injured when the suspect sideswiped his cruiser during the chase.

Mark Carnahan

A neighbor who described the chaotic scene of the collision and police response.

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What they’re saying

“I was in the house and heard all these sirens—we always hear a police car going by, but this was different. And so I came to the door, and I heard the explosion because a couple of cars had already gone by and they collided up here.”

— Mark Carnahan, Neighbor

What’s next

Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and determine the full extent of the charges Brenton Howland will face across the three counties involved.

The takeaway

This high-speed chase and collision serve as a stark reminder of the risks posed by suspects willing to engage in reckless behavior to evade law enforcement, and the need for continued dialogue on balancing public safety with appropriate use of force during police pursuits.