An area police officer died in the line of duty early this morning.
Kentucky State Police say Hodgenville Police Officer Mark Taulbee died from a car crash as the result of a high speed chase near the 4600 block of Campbellsville Road (KY 210) around 2:30 this morning.

Police say a preliminary investigation shows Officer Taulbee was traveling eastbound on KY 210 in pursuit of a silver Nissan Altima when he lost control of his car, struck an earth embankment went airborne and landed in a ditch.

Reports say Taulbee was ejected from his vehicle, but was wearing a seat belt.

He was transported to Hardin Memorial Hospital and then
Flown to the University of Louisville hospital, where he died.

Police say the suspect 29-year-old Jason Avis, of Hodgenville continued on, but later turned himself in.

He faces multiple charges including fleeing or evading police 1st degree.