The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) has been requested by the Campbellsville Police Department (CPD) and Taylor County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred on May 7, 2024 at approximately 4:28 P.M. EST in Taylor County.

At the request of the CPD and TCSO, KSP Post 15 Troopers and Detectives responded to the scene on Pitman Avenue in the city limits of Campbellsville. KSP initiated an investigation into the incident and it remains ongoing by the CIRT.

KSP has statewide jurisdiction and investigates officer-involved shootings throughout the Commonwealth as requested by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. KSP is committed to being transparent while ensuring the integrity of the investigation. To protect the integrity of an ongoing investigation, it is KSP’s standard operating procedure not to release specific details until vital witnesses have been interviewed and pertinent facts gathered. Timelines to complete investigations vary based on the complexity of the case.

The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 in Columbia has conducted an investigation into an animal cruelty complaint reported in Casey County on Sunday May 5. As a result of the investigation, fourteen people have been charged for their involvement in the incident that occurred yesterday afternoon in the Bethelridge community of Casey County. 

On May 5, 2024, at approximately 12:00 P.M. EST, KSP Post 15 received a call from an individual stating there was an organized chicken-fighting event occurring at a residence located on KY 837.  Troopers responded to the residence and upon arrival made contact with several individuals that were on the property.  Troopers located a caged area with seating around it for spectators, several injured chickens, and a concessions area on the property.  Leo Harris, age 59, and Christopher Harris, age 39, both from Bethelridge, were arrested and charged with Cruelty to Animals 2nd Degree.  Both were lodged in the Casey County Detention Center. 

Twelve additional individuals were charged and cited to court for Cruelty to Animals 2nd Degree, including:

• Steven Wesley, age 35 of Science Hill
• Tiffany Robinson, age 35 of Liberty
• Brandon Mounce, age 39 of Lancaster
• Randall Emerson, age 49 of Bethelridge
• Kaleb Chansler, age 33 of Middleburg
• Ronald Sharp, age 47 of Russell Springs
• Dormas Bullock, age 72 of Eubank
• Jeffrey Owens, age 53 of Stanford
• David Bradshaw, age 65 of Bethelridge
• Patrick Harris, age 30 of Liberty
• Dakota Ford, age 29 Salvisa
• Janafer Denson, age 39 Crab Orchard

The case remains ongoing and is being investigated by Trooper Maverick Gadberry.  Trooper Gadberry was assisted at the scene by Trooper Matthew Lee and Sergeant Levi Scott.

Pulaski County Emergency Management confirms a garage explosion has resulted in a fatality in Somerset.

Jeff Henderson reports...

The Kentucky State Police, Richmond Post, is searching for an inmate who walked away from the Bluegrass Career and Development Center just before 2:30 pm today, May 6th.

KSP is searching for Tyler O. Branstetter, 38 years of age, from Glasgow, KY, described as a white male, 5’10" tall, weighing 165 pounds, with strawberry blonde hair and blue eyes. Branstetter was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, dark basketball shorts, and white tennis shoes. He also has several tattoos on his face, neck, and arms. 

Branstetter was serving a sentence for enhanced trafficking, 1st degree, 2nd offense, over 2GMS Methamphetamine and Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon. 

Anyone who may have information about the location of Tyler O. Branstetter is asked to call their local law enforcement or KSP Post 7 at 859.623.2404. Branstetter is known to frequent Barren, Hart, Warren, Hardin, and surrounding counties. 

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by KSP Trooper Jon Best. 

On Saturday, May 4, 2024, at approximately 12:00 p.m., Campbellsville Police were alerted to a shooting at the corner of Martin Luther King Blvd. and Baptist Street.

The initial investigation revealed that Brandon Berry, aged 27, and Dasean Murdock, aged 25, both residents of Campbellsville, were engaged in a heated verbal exchange. The altercation escalated when Murdock drew a firearm and fired at Berry, hitting him once. Murdock was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Karen Wilcher, 44, also from Campbellsville. Following the shooting, Murdock and Wilcher fled the scene.

Later that day, at around 3:19 p.m., a joint operation involving Campbellsville Police, the Kentucky State Police, and the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office led to the execution of a search warrant at 383 White Pine Circle. Both Wilcher and Murdock were apprehended and charged with first-degree assault.

The injured party, Brandon Berry, required emergency medical evacuation to the University of Kentucky Medical Center for treatment.

Agencies Involved:

• Campbellsville Police
• Kentucky State Police
• Taylor County Sheriff’s Office

Investigating Officer:

• Officer Chris Milby

Approving Supervisor:

• Chief Shannon Wilson

The Kentucky State Police (KSP) is investigating two deadly shootings that occurred Friday evening in Russell County. 

On May 3, 2024 at approximately 7:00 P.M. CST, KSP Post 15 received a call from Pulaski County 911 requesting assistance locating a Ford F150 believed to be operated by Angela Gosser, age 56 of Russell Springs.  Troopers responded to the Russell County to attempt to locate the vehicle.  At approximately 7:24 P.M. CST, Russell County 911 contacted KSP Post 15 and requested investigative assistance with a deadly shooting incident that had occurred at a residence on South KY 619 in Russell County.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Angela Gosser had arrived at a residence on South KY 619 belonging to her brother, Darryl Wilson, age 58 of Jamestown.  Once at the residence, Ms. Gosser armed herself with a firearm and forced entry into the residence.  Upon Ms. Gosser entering the residence, there was an apparent exchange of gunfire between Ms. Gosser and Mr. Wilson with both individuals receiving gunshot wounds.  Mr. Wilson was transported to the University of Kentucky Hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.  Ms. Gosser injuries were fatal and she was pronounced deceased by the Russell County Coroner.

While at the scene on South KY 619, KSP received a request for a welfare check on Angela Gosser’s sister, Jennifer Wilson, age 57 of Russell Springs.  Family members of Ms. Wilson reported they had been unable to make contact with her, causing them to become concerned for her safety.  KSP Troopers and Russell County Sheriff's Deputies responded to Hammond Road in Russell County.  Troopers and Deputies located a Toyota Camry partially off the roadway when they arrived on Hammond Road.  Upon contact with the vehicle, a lone occupant, Jennifer Wilson, was located in the driver’s seat with apparent fatal gunshot wounds to the head.  

The preliminary investigation revealed that before the incident at her brother’s residence on South KY 619, Ms. Gosser encountered Ms. Wilson on Hammond Road.  Ms. Gosser armed herself with a firearm and fired multiple rounds into the passenger area of the vehicle, fatally striking Ms. Wilson.  Ms. Wilson was pronounced deceased by the Russell County Coroner. 

KSP was assisted at the scene by the Russell County Sheriff’s Office, Jamestown Police Department, Russell County EMS, and the Russell County Coroner’s Office. The investigation is ongoing by Detective James Ford.

Somerset Police, in collaboration with Pulaski County Sheriff's Office and Kentucky State Police, have renewed their commitment to joint operations by renewing the agreement for the Pulaski County Major Crimes Task Force. A collaborative effort where each agency contributes resources and personnel to support investigations into serious offenses, including homicides, armed robberies, significant thefts, and other violent crimes.

Sheriff Bobby Jones, Acting Chief Josh Wesley, and KSP Post 11 Commander Captain Ryan Catron, convened at the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office to re-sign the accord, signifying their ongoing partnership.

The Task Force stands as a crucial resource for the residents of Pulaski County, enhancing the safety and well-being of the community. Each agency remains steadfast in their mutual support, ensuring the delivery of exemplary police services to our community.

The Casey County Fiscal Court met in a special called session Wednesday morning.

Casey County Judge Executive Randy Dial says there were three main items on the agenda...

The next regular meeting of the Casey County Fiscal Court is scheduled for Monday, May 20th.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 1, 2024) – Whether you ride, pedal or drive, Kentuckians are reminded during National Motorcycle and Bike Safety Awareness Month to watch out for each other as spring weather draws more highway users across the state. 

“We typically see more and more motorcycles and bicycles riding along with us this time of year,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “And we encourage everyone to share the road so that we all make it to our destination safely – every trip, every time.”  

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind all road users to work together to help prevent crashes, injuries and deaths on Kentucky roadways.   

A motorcycle or bicycle is a vehicle with all of the rights and responsibilities of any motor vehicle; however, as one of the smallest vehicles on the road, a motorcycle or bicycle may be in a vehicle’s blind spots.  

“We’re asking motorists to look twice at intersections and before changing lanes or making turns,” said Transportation Secretary Jim Gray. “These simple yet important actions behind the wheel could be the difference between life and death for a motorcyclist or bicyclist.” 

In 2023 there were 1,986 crashes involving motorcycles in Kentucky, resulting in 1,510 injuries and 110 deaths (105 motorcyclists). Of those crashes, 1,130 involved a motorcycle and at least one other vehicle. Bicyclists were involved in 352 crashes resulting in 229 injuries and 17 deaths. Of those crashes, 346 involved at least one other vehicle. 

"We’re committed to continuing our efforts to improve safety and accessibility for everyone, and working together, we can all do our part by obeying?the?rules?of the road,” said Secretary Gray. 

The KOHS offers the following tips for drivers: 

• Be aware: Put your phone down and eliminate all distractions.
• Check surroundings: Regularly check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or entering intersections.  
• Signal intentions: Use turn signals to communicate your actions.
• Respect all road users: Maintain a safe following distance, give adequate space when passing and do not obstruct bike lanes. 
• Drive responsibly: Adhere to traffic laws. Obey speed limits to better identify and react to potential hazards, drive sober and always wear a seat belt.

The KOHS offers the following tips for motorcyclists: 

• Stay safe and visible: Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet and brightly colored protective gear with reflective elements. Position yourself in the lane where you are most visible to other drivers.
• Be aware: Maintain focus on the road and traffic at all times.
• Signal intentions: Use turn signals and hand signals for every maneuver.
• Ride responsibly: Adhere to traffic laws. Obey speed limits to better identify and react to potential hazards, and always ride sober.
• Take a rider training course: Find information on classes at ride.ky.gov. 

The KOHS offers the following tips for bicyclists: 

• Stay safe and visible: Always wear a properly fitted helmet that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission standards and brightly colored protective gear with reflective elements. 
• Be aware: Maintain focus on the road and traffic at all times. Scan ahead for possible obstacles in your path, such as parked cars or cars pulling out or into parking spaces or driveways.
• Signal intentions: Use hand signals when changing lanes or turning. 
• Ride responsibly: Adhere to traffic laws. Ride in the same direction as traffic and always ride sober.
• Check equipment. Make sure your brakes are working and tires are properly inflated before riding.

For more information visit https://bikesafeky.com/?and?https://www.ridesafeky.com/.  

On Monday, April 29, 2024, at approximately 11:40 AM, Kentucky State Police, London Post was notified by Rockcastle County 911 that an anonymous caller had called and advised a male subject had been shot on Sandhill Road in Rockcastle County.

Upon arrival, officers located a deceased male from apparent gunshot wounds lying in the roadway. The victim was identified as Benjamin F. Jones, JR. age 54, of Livingston, Ky.  Mr. Jones was pronounced deceased by the Rockcastle County Coroner.  Mr. Jones has been taken to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.

KSP Post 11 London located Terry L. Burke on Misty Lane in Mount Vernon and arrested him for Murder. He is lodged in the Rockcastle Detention Center.

The investigation is continuing by Post 11 Detective Aaron Peace.  He was assisted at the scene by Post 11 personnel, Rockcastle County Sheriff’s Office, Rockcastle County EMS and Rockcastle County Coroner.

A Casey County man was arrested last week after reports he was pointing a pistol at passers-by.

On Friday, Casey County Sheriff Chad Weddle and Liberty Police Chief Steven Garrett responded to 911 calls about a man throwing rocks and brandishing a pistol at passing vehicles on N. KY 501.

The man, identified as Edward L. Carman, 57, of Kings Mountain, was found sitting on his front porch. Upon questioning, Mr. Carman revealed that the weapon, a Ruger SR22 pistol, was on the porch chair and was subsequently secured by the officers. It was found fully loaded with one in the chamber and 8 in the magazine.

The incident escalated when Mr. Carman admitted to confronting a driver of a red truck emitting black smoke, by throwing a rock and pointing the gun at him. The driver, Trever Simms, reported he had returned to speak with Mr. Carman, only to be met with aggression.

Sheriff Weddle, assisted by Chief Garrett, Deputy Robin Lynn, and Kentucky State Trooper Sharp, arrested Mr. Carman, who was charged with Wanton Endangerment-1st degree.

In a somber turn of events, a boating accident at Lake Cumberland has resulted in one fatality and left another individual injured.

The Russell County Search and Rescue team responded to an emergency call at approximately 1:30 AM on Saturday, following reports of a capsized vessel with two individuals requiring urgent assistance.

The first victim was swiftly attended to by rescue personnel and received medical treatment for their injuries. Regrettably, the second individual was discovered by a diver and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Russell County Coroner.

The deceased has been identified as 36-year-old Anthony Jay Williams. Our thoughts are with the families affected during this difficult time.

The Casey County Grand Jury has handed down several indictments, including:

-Kelsey L Patten, 29 of Liberty, indicted for possession of methamphetamine 1st degree/3rd or subsequent offense & possession of drug paraphernalia.

-Lori Ann Pruitt aka Loria Ann Pruitt, 54 of Liberty, indicted for possession of methamphetamine 1st degree/3rd or subsequent offense & possession of drug paraphernalia.

-Regina Fay Hines, 46 of Liberty, indicted for criminal mischief 1st degree.

-Lauren F Gillock, 26 of Liberty, indicted for possession of methamphetamine 1st degree/2nd offense & possession of drug paraphernalia.

-Curtis Lee Dempsey Jr., 55 of Hustonville, indicted for 2 counts possession of methamphetamine 1st degree/1st offense, 2 counts possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, one headlight, failure to maintain required insurance/security, no OL, failure to wear seat belts, failure to produce insurance card, & no registration receipt & plate.

-Natasha M Coffey, 28 of Liberty, indicted for possession of methamphetamine 1st degree/2nd offense, possession of marijuana, & possession of drug paraphernalia.

-Edward L Carman, 57 of Kings Mountain, indicted for no/expired registration plates, no registration receipt, failure to produce insurance card, assault 3rd degree, & resisting arrest.

-Tyler Glen Stamper, 25 of Dunnville, indicted for 20 counts of possession or viewing of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under 12 years old.

-Stacey Rana Wooten, 42 of Hustonville, indicted for possession of drug paraphernalia & possession of methamphetamine 1st degree/2nd offense.

-Jeremy Tyler Watson, 43 of Liberty, indicted for all terrain vehicle violations, possession of handgun by a convicted felon, possession of methamphetamine 1st degree/2nd offense, & possession of drug unspecified 2nd degree.

-Michael S Abbott, 41 of Liberty, indicted for assault 4th degree – domestic violence – minor injury, wanton endangerment 1st degree, & persistent felony offender 1st degree.

-George S Webb Jr., 36 of Hustonville, indicted for theft by unlawful taking - $1,000 or more but less than $10,000, tampering with physical evidence, persistent felony offender 1st degree, & criminal mischief 3rd degree.

-Ronna L Carmicle, of Liberty, indicted for theft by deception – less than $500.

We remind our listeners an indictment is only a legal accusation, not an indicator of guilt.

Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones reports the arrest of a Eubank man after a brief standoff.

On April 21, 2024, deputies received a report of a domestic altercation on Dustin Ln.,
Eubank, KY. The caller stated her ex-boyfriend, Thomas Stogsdill, 23 years of age, Eubank, KY,
had assaulted her, put a gun to her head and wouldn’t let her leave the residence for fear of
further assault or serious physical injury. The victim was able to eventually get away from
Stogsdill and fled the residence prior to calling 911.

A warrant for Stogsdill was issued, charging him with Wanton Endangerment 1 st Degree,
Assault 4 th Degree Domestic Violence, and Kidnapping.

On April 22, 2024, at approximately 12:29 pm, deputies went to the residence on Dustin
Ln. to attempt to serve the warrant on Stogsdill. Deputies were advised that witnesses had seen
Stogsdill going into the residence moments prior to their arrival, and recognized Stogsdill’s car
in the back yard. Attempts were made to have Stogsdill exit the residence to be taken into
custody safely, but he failed to do so.

Deputies and Troopers with Kentucky State Police eventually made entry into the
residence, where they found Stogsdill hiding. After taking Stogsdill into custody, a search
incident to arrest led to the discovery of suspected narcotics in his pockets that will be sent to the
Kentucky State Police Laboratory for further testing.

Stogsdill was lodged in the Pulaski County Detention Center on the Pulaski District
Court warrant for Wanton Endangerment 1 st Degree, Assault 4 th Degree Domestic Violence, and
Kidnapping, along with another Pulaski District Court warrant for Failure to Appear. The
investigation into the domestic violence related charges are being further investigated by
Detective Branson Patterson, while the investigation into the suspected controlled substances
found at the time of arrest is being conducted by Deputy Logan Crabtree.

The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene of the standoff by the
Kentucky State Police and the Somerset Police Department.

Sheriff Bobby Jones asks if you have any information about drug activity or any crime to
contact our tip line at 606-679-8477. You can also leave a tip on our webpage at
http://www.pulaskisheriff.com. You can remain anonymous by texting PCSOTIP to 847411, or
by using our mobile app on both Google Play and the App Store.

The 26th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 27, 2024. The event aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.

Aimee Weddle is with the ADANTA regional prevention center...

Convenient DROP-OFF boxes are located at the Liberty Police Department, and CVS in Liberty.

Multiple arrests following a police pursuit Tuesday on Lebanon Road in the Parksville community.

A routine patrol escalated into a high-speed pursuit when a Boyle County Deputy identified a vehicle operated by an individual with a suspended license. The driver, identified as Mark Belcher, allegedly attempted to evade law enforcement by accelerating dangerously and making abrupt turns onto Johnson Branch Road before coming to a stop in a driveway.

The incident led to the quick detention of three individuals. Among them was Brandi Harmon, who reportedly discarded a glass methamphetamine pipe while exiting the vehicle. A subsequent search revealed possession of methamphetamine.

Mark Belcher faces multiple charges including fleeing from police, reckless driving, and driving with a suspended operator's license. Brandi Harmon is charged with possession of a controlled substance, tampering with physical evidence, and drug paraphernalia, along with two counts of contempt of court from Boyle County. The third individual, Bronson Hartman, was arrested on a parole violation warrant and for failing to appear in Boyle County.

All three were lodged in the Boyle County Jail.

A routine traffic stop for an equipment violation on a Toyota Tundra led to a significant drug bust in Danville on Sunday, April 21st.

Around 11pm, Danville Police identified the driver as 48-year-old Chris Steward and the passenger as 23-year-old Kierran Lyttle. Suspicion of narcotics in the vehicle prompted a search, during which Lyttle attempted to escape on foot but was subdued with a taser.

The search revealed a stash of suspected heroin, cocaine, and marijuana, along with over $9,000 in cash hidden in a magnetic box under the vehicle.

Steward resisted arrest, becoming combative and attempting to assault the officers. Both individuals were taken into custody, with Steward facing multiple charges including trafficking cocaine and heroin, and Lyttle charged with possession and fleeing police.

A routine welfare check led to drug charges last week.

On Friday, April 19th, at 3 pm, Casey County Deputy Tyler Luttrell, Sheriff Chad Weddle, and Special Deputy Robin Lynn arrived at a residence in the Bethelridge community to check on Tommy Elliot. They were greeted by Nathan G. Morgan, who allowed them to enter.

Inside, Sheriff Weddle explained they were following up on calls of possible drug activity and gained permission to search the home. Officers discovered a credit card with a white crystal-like substance and other drug paraphernalia in Nathan's room. Upon questioning, Nathan admitted to potential methamphetamine use. He was arrested and charged with first-degree possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

45-year-old Nathan Morgan was lodged in the Casey County Jail.

A late-night call Friday led Casey County Deputy Tyler Luttrell to an unusual discovery at a residence on Caney Fork Road. At 11 pm, a report of a man sitting in a truck prompted Deputy Luttrell to investigate. The man, identified as Kevin L. Davis, 32, from Lagrange, appeared disoriented and under the influence of drugs.

Dispatch confirmed that Davis had an active warrant from Jefferson County. A search revealed a small baggie of a substance suspected to be methamphetamine in his pocket. Davis admitted to using meth earlier in the day and exhibited signs of intoxication.

Consequently, Davis was arrested and charged with first-degree possession of methamphetamine (third or greater offense) and public intoxication related to a controlled substance. He was taken to the Casey County Jail.

A welfare check by the Casey County Sheriff's Office quickly escalated into a drug bust on Friday afternoon.

Deputies were seeking Timothy Pittman on an active EPO violation warrant at Ronnie G. Godbey's residence in Yosemite. Despite initial reluctance to open the door, Ronnie allowed the deputies inside, where they encountered Timothy and discovered various drug paraphernalia throughout the house.

Ronnie initially claimed ignorance about the items, but after a call to his daughter contradicted his alibi, he confessed that the substances and paraphernalia were his.

The deputies' search uncovered multiple pipes with residue, straws, and baggies with substances resembling methamphetamine.

Ronnie Godbey was arrested and charged with first-degree possession of methamphetamine (third or greater offense) and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was transported to the Casey County Jail.