Lexington men plead guilty in high-speed chase tied to alleged “Eastside Gang” member

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Two Lexington men have pleaded guilty in federal court following a dramatic police pursuit last December that ended with the recovery of fentanyl, a loaded firearm, and the arrest of a suspect out on bond for alleged ties to Lexington’s “Eastside Gang.”

Chauncey O. Irvin, 26, entered his plea Friday in U.S. District Court to charges of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. His co-defendant, Amaan Lewis Sleet, 23, previously pleaded guilty to receiving a firearm while under felony indictment.

The incident that led to their arrests began Dec. 3, 2024, when Lexington police attempted to stop a white Dodge Charger seen speeding on Cane Run Road. The vehicle fled, sparking a high-speed chase through city streets. Police lost sight of the car temporarily, but officers spotted it again on McCullough Drive. When the Charger failed to stop for a second time, officers called in aerial support.

A police helicopter tracked the Charger as it sped through neighborhoods before coming to a halt on Clay Avenue near Woodland Park. Surveillance video captured three men—later identified as Irvin, Sleet, and a third suspect—exiting the car and attempting to walk away. As officers approached, all three fled on foot through the park and nearby streets.

During the pursuit, Sleet was seen tossing a Glock 33 handgun equipped with an extended magazine onto the roof of a home on Old Park Avenue. Firefighters later assisted police in retrieving the weapon, which had been reported stolen in August 2023.

Meanwhile, Irvin discarded a loaded Sig Sauer pistol and a backpack over a fence. The backpack contained 84.5 grams of fentanyl, digital scales, and packaging materials. Irvin admitted in court that he possessed the drugs with intent to distribute and carried the gun to further his trafficking activities.

Sleet was under indictment at the time of his arrest for multiple felony charges, including nine counts of first-degree wanton endangerment and engaging in organized crime. He was indicted in 2020 for allegedly being a member of Lexington’s so-called “Eastside Gang,” according to court records.

Sentencing in the case will take place September 19 before U.S. District Judge Karen K. Caldwell.