Kentucky law enforcement joins national crackdown to reduce impaired driving fatalities.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 17, 2017) – As the Labor Day weekend approaches, families and friends are making plans to celebrate the end of the summer. Sadly, this festive time has also become a dangerous time for motorists, as many impaired drivers get behind the wheel.

For this reason, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) and local law enforcement agencies are joining officers across the nation for the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign Aug. 17 to Sept. 3.

“With the expected increase in traffic over the Labor Day weekend, we want Kentucky’s roadways to be as safe as possible for the traveling public,” said KYTC Secretary Greg Thomas. “The KYTC’s Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is raising awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and providing resources to law enforcement to remove impaired drivers off the road.”

The KOHS distributes federal grant money provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to increase law enforcement presence during designated holiday periods. According to NHTSA, high-visibility enforcement like the ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign reduces impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent.

“While we always patrol for impaired drivers, we’ll have extra Troopers patrolling during this heavily-traveled holiday,” said KSP Sgt. Josh Lawson. “Our message is simple: If you are driving while drugged or drunk, you will be arrested.”

There were more than 3,900 total collisions involving alcohol in Kentucky last year, resulting in more than 1,800 injuries and 121 fatalities. During the Labor Day holiday weekend, there were 57 collisions involving alcohol, resulting in 22 injuries and three fatalities.

“Our message is not only for drivers of vehicles, but for those who drive motorcycles as well,” said Thomas.

According to the KOHS, last year motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes had higher percentages of alcohol impairment than any other type of motor vehicle drivers; 14 percent for motorcycle riders, 12 percent for light-truck drivers, 11 percent for passenger cars and 4 percent for drivers of large trucks.

“No matter what you drive, make a plan before the party begins,” said Sgt. Lawson. “Alcohol not only impairs your driving skills – it impairs your judgment – so don’t wait until you’ve been drinking to find a sober ride home.”

Motorists are encouraged to report impaired drivers by safely pulling off the road and calling the Kentucky State Police hotline at 1-800-222-5555.

Murray, KY (August 17 2018)-The Kentucky State Police arrested Rebecca A. Billington, 36 of Puryear, TN and charged her with Theft By Unlawful Taking Over $500, and under $10,000, a Class D felony.  KSP was contacted by the Calloway County Extension Office, where Billington had previously been employed, about personal charges on a company credit card made by her.  After a short investigation KSP was able to obtain an arrest warrant.  Billington was arrested without incident today and lodged in the Calloway County Jail.

The investigation continues by KSP Trooper Eric West.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentucky State Police Post 1 at 270-856-3721 or anonymously at 1-800-222-5555.  Citizens may also report tips anonymously through the KSP app.  The app is available for iPhone, iPad and Android applications and can be easily downloaded free of charge through Apple and Google Play stores.

Kyle Tyson Gilbert, 41, of 658 Cypress Circle, Calvert City was arrested on August 13, 2018 on a Marshall County Warrant for a probation violation (for technical violation).

William Lee James, 32, of 949 Kingsway Court, Apt. B, Henderson was arrested on August 13, 2018 on a Daviess County Warrant for failure to appear. He was also charged with speeding (50/35), no registration receipt, no registration plates, and failure of owner to maintain required insurance 1st offense.

Larry B. Coursey, 48, of 696 Cherry Street, Calvert City was arrested on August 14, 2018 on a Trigg County Warrant for non-payment of court costs, fees, or fines.

Michael W. Meyers, 58, of 779 Sinclair Avenue, Henderson was arrested on August 18, 2018 for DUI 1st offense.

Mayfield, KY (August 18, 2018) – Trooper Aaron Jestes was on routine patrol on US 62 in Carlisle County, when he noticed a motorcycle driving reckless and at a high rate of speed at approximately 1:52 A. M on August 18, 2018.  Trooper Jestes attempted to stop the motorcycle, but the operator, Derek F. Brown, 35 of Mayfield, KY., fled from the Trooper in an attempt to get away at speeds over 100 MPH.   KSP pursued the motorcycle in Carlisle, Hickman and into Graves County.  Brown eventually stopped at the intersection of US 58 and US 45, but fled on foot.  KSP and a deputy from Graves County Sheriff’s Office were able to apprehend him at approximately 2:52 A.M.   Brown was charged with DUI 3^rd offense, driving on a DUI suspended license, Wanton Endangerment1st degree- police officer, fleeing or evading police 1^st motor vehicle, fleeing or evading police1st on foot, reckless driving, no registration plate, no insurance, and speeding.  Brown was lodged in the Graves County Jail.

The investigation continues by KSP Trooper Aaron Jestes.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentucky State Police Post 1 at 270-856-3721 or anonymously at 1-800-222-5555.  Citizens may also report tips anonymously through the KSP app.  The app is available for iPhone, iPad and Android applications and can be easily downloaded free of charge through Apple and Google Play stores.

On August 2nd, 2018, Officer Trent Weaver began investigating thefts from several vehicles at residences on East 14th St., Shelby McCallum Dr., and the Eastside Village mobile home park. Suspects were located and several stolen items have been returned to the owners. Charges are pending however, several items have remained unclaimed or haven’t been reported stolen. If any of the recovered items in the photograph belong to you, please contact Officer Weaver at the Benton Police Department, 270-527-3126, or email: tweaver@cityofbenton.org.

August 20, 2018 – The Graves County Sheriff’s Office is still searching for two suspect that were involved in a home invasion robbery This afternoon. The robbery took place on Piney Point off of KY 97, about 4 miles south of Mayfield. The suspects were described as two white males, dressed in all black with face masks. Both men were reported to have handguns. Witnesses who saw the men running from the area said that one of the men was not wearing shoes and another had taken off his shirt. The suspects were last seen near the KY 1890 and KY 303 intersection. If anyone sees these individual please call the Sheriff’s Office at 270-247-4501 or 911.

On August 17th, Sheriff Kevin Byars served a Bench Warrant on David A Ralson of Benton. The original charge was for Promoting Contraband 1st.

On August 18th, Deputy Luke Rudd served an Indictment Warrant on Jason Downing of Benton. The indictment charges were Possession of Controlled Substance 1st Degree 1st Offense Methamphetamine, Drug Paraphernalia Buy / Possess, and Possession of Marijuana.

On August 18th, Deputy Luke Rudd served an indictment warrant on Jordan Dyer of Paducah, KY. The indictment charges were Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1st Degree 1st Offense Methamphetamine and Drug Paraphernalia Buy / Possess.

On August 18th, Deputy Luke Rudd served a Marshall County Bench Warrant on Jaycob Ruff of Benton. The warrant was for Probation Violation.

On August 18th, Deputy Barry Howell served a Graves County Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear on Dustin Alderdice of Marion, KY.

On August 18th Deputy Luke Rudd served a Marshall County Bench Warrant on Garrett Cedar of Benton. The warrant was for Probation Violation.

On August 18th, Deputy Luke Rudd served an Indictment Warrant on Carla R. Marten of Vienna Illinois. The charges were Possession of Controlled Substance 1st Degree 1st Offense Methamphetamine and Drug Paraphernalia Buy / Possess.

On August 18th Deputy Luke Rudd served an Indictment Warrant on Corey J. Patton of Grantsburg, Illinois. The charges were Possession of Controlled Substance 1st Degree 1st Offense Methamphetamine, Tampering With Physical Evidence, Possession of Marijuana, and Drug Paraphernalia Buy / Possess.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to CLOSE a section of KY 1490/Elva Road in MARSHALL County on Thursday, August 23, 2018.

KY 1490/Elva Road will be closed at milepoint 2.1 to allow a cross drain to be replaced.  This is along KY 1490/Elva Road just south of the KY 348/Symsonial Highway intersection.

The roadway at this site is expected to close at approximately 8:00 a.m., CDT, immediately after the morning school bus run.  It is expected to reopen to traffic around 3:00 p.m., Thursday.

There will be no marked detour.  Motorists may self-detour via KY 348 and KY 1049.

Timely traffic advisories for the 12 counties of KYTC Highway District 1 are available by going to www.facebook.com/kytcdistrict1. You do not have to be a Facebook member to access this page.

Lake City, KY (August 21, 2018) – The Kentucky State Police worked a three vehicle fatality near the 29 mile marker on Interstate 24, on Tuesday, August, 21 2018.     KSP was notified by Marshall County dispatch of the collision at approximately 3:55 P.M.  Preliminary investigation shows Amy J Chavez, 42 of Gilbertsville, KY., was traveling westbound in the right hand lane on I-24, operating a 1999 Ford Taurus.  For an unknown reason, Chavez did not see the traffic slowing on the I-24 Tennessee River Bridge. Chavez moved to the left lane in an attempt to pass a Semi tractor trailer, but according to witness statements, that semi changed lanes and cut her off.  Chavez then moved back to the right lane, where she lost control of her vehicle and side-swiped a Kenworth semi-tractor trailer being driven by Matthew Hill, 42 of Fayetteville TN., who was in the left lane. Chavez then failed to stop and collided with the rear end of a semi-trailer in the right lane.  This semi was a Freightliner being driven by Hovhannes Navasardyan, 24 of Arleta, CA.,  All three drivers were wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision. Chavez was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Livingston County Coroner.

The investigation is continuing by Kentucky State Police Collision Reconstructionist Detective Eric Fields.  KSP was assisted on the scene by the Kentucky State Police Commercial Vehicle Division, Marshall and Livingston County EMS, Livingston County Coroner, Grand Lakes Fire Department, Gilbertsville Fire Department, and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Highway District 1.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentucky State Police Post 1 at 270-856-3721 or anonymously at 1-800-222-5555.  Citizens may also report tips anonymously through the KSP app.  The app is available for iPhone, iPad and Android applications and can be easily downloaded free of charge through Apple and Google Play stores.

Murray State University Police issued a warning Sunday when they were notified of a student rape on campus. The warning stated that the victim reported the crime to campus security. The alleged assailant is reportedly someone who the victim knew. The victim requested confidentiality, and declined police involvement.

The university says it is providing recovery resources to the victim.

Trey Allen Moore, 22, of 1956 Old Olive Road, Benton was charged on August 22, 2018 with possession of marijuana, no registration plates, and no registration receipt.

Christian Matthew Davis, 47, of 231 Retirement Circle, Calvert City was arrested on August 24, 2018 for DUI 2nd offense. He was also charged with failure to or improper signal, failure of owner to maintain required insurance 1st offense, and possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle.

Russell Dale Skinner, 51, of 1178 Old Calvert City Road, Calvert City was arrested on August 26, 2018 for DUI 1st offense. He was also charged with no tail lamps and possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle.

On August 22nd, Deputy Steven Oakley served a warrant on Hernandez A. Maurico of Benton. The warrant was for Alcohol Intoxication, Assault 2nd Degree, and Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree.

On August 22nd, Sergeant William Treadway of the Benton Police Department opened a theft of a motor vehicle investigation involving a truck. On August 23rd, Captain Matt Hilbrecht of the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office and Sergeant Treadway responded to a residence on Wadesboro Road North. They recovered the stolen truck and SGT. Treadway charged Robert K Lima of Benton with Theft By Unlawful Taking or Dispensation Auto – $10,000 or More. Subsequently, Captain Hilbrecht served a Calloway County Complaint Warrant on Lima charging him with Receiving Stolen Property.Lima was also served a warrant for Flagrant Non Support.

On August 23rd, Detective Sergeant Jeff Daniel served a Calloway County Bench Warrant on Bryan J. Fulton of Benton.

On August 23rd, Deputy Chris Greenfield was dispatched to US 68 West to a vehicle crash. As a result of the investigation, Mark Allan Lutz of Murray was cited and charged with No Operators License, Failure of Owner to Maintain Required Insurance 1st Offense, No Registration Receipt, and Failure to Produce Insurance Card.

On August 24th, Deputy Lofton Rowley served a complaint warrant on Andrew Wolf Nimmo of Hardin. The charges were Assault 4th Degree and Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree. The warrant was issued as as the result of a Kentucky State Police case.

Grant Award Notification from the Spirit of Blue Foundation

The Spirit of Blue Foundation 501(c)(3) is pleased to inform you that the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has been selected to receive a Safety Equipment Grant in the form of patrol rifles and tourniquets with duty belt pouches. The equipment will be sourced directly from LMT Defense, North American Rescue and Blue Force Gear by Spirit of Blue and donated to the MCSO.

This grant is funded by a generous donation from Law Enforcement United (LEU). LEU is a national organization of active and retired law enforcement officers, along with surviving family members of lost officers, who raise money and ride an average of 250 miles on bicycles into Washington, DC each year for National Police Week to honor lost officers. The funds they raise are donated to Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), Officer Down Memorial Page (ODMP) and Spirit of Blue Foundation. Since their founding in 2009 they have raised over $5,750,000 for law enforcement causes.

The grant includes:

•Six (6) Defender 2000 SPM10 patrol rifles chambered in .223/5.56mm with 10.5” barrels (LMT Defense). Additional paperwork will need to be completed to submit to the BATFE and for FET Exemption.

•Six (6) PRO red dot optics (Aimpoint) 

•Six (6) Vicker’s Combat Application Slings (Blue Force Gear) for enhance weapon retention. 

•Six (6) Ten-Speed M4 Chest Rigs (Blue Force Gear) for spare magazine storage. 

•Six (6) MBUS rear back-up sights (Magpul Industries) 

•Six (6) 30 round PMAG’s (Magpul Industries) 

•Thirty-three (33) Gen7 C-A-T Tourniquets (North American Rescue), and; 

•Thirty-three (33) Tourniquet NOW! Pouches (Blue Force Gear) to be worn by each officer while on duty. 

•The value of the grant being awarded is $16,441.54.

Nothing additional will be provided as part of the grant.

In keeping with the Spirit of Blue’s mission of enhancing officer safety and vitality through meeting safety equipment and training needs, this grant is intended to provide the necessary equipment for your patrol officers to be protected from threats while serving their community. In order to properly utilize the granted tourniquets and duty belt pouches it is incumbent upon the receiving agency to provide the proper training to each individual deputy who will be receiving a tourniquet.

Again, congratulations on your agency being selected. We are hopeful that the use of this grant aids greatly in the safety of your officers and the effectiveness of your agency.

ALMO, Ky. (Aug, 29, 2018) — On August 28, 2018, at approximately 6:19 p.m., the Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Branch arrested Derik G. Timmons, 38, on charges related to distribution and possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor.

Timmons was arrested as the result of an undercover Internet Crimes Against Children investigation. The KSP Electronic Crime Branch began the investigation after discovering Timmons sharing files of child sexual exploitation online.

The investigation resulted in the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Almo on August 28, 2018. Equipment used to facilitate the crime was seized and taken to KSP’s forensic laboratory for examination. The investigation is ongoing.

Timmons is currently charged with three counts of distribution of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor, 20 counts of possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor and one count of tampering with physical evidence. Each charge is a Class-D felony punishable by one to five years in prison.

He was lodged in the Calloway County Detention Center.

Hickory, KY (August 31, 2018) – The Kentucky State Police and local law enforcement agencies are participating in the national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, which runs through Labor Day weekend with the goal of reducing deaths and injuries caused by motorists driving impaired, either by alcohol or drugs.

The 2018 Labor Day holiday enforcement period begins at 6:00 p.m., on Friday August 31 and continues through Monday, September 3 at 11:59 p.m.

In addition to statewide DUI enforcement, KSP will conduct statewide traffic safety checkpoints in an effort to enforce all traffic laws of the Commonwealth. Special attention will be placed on occupant protection (seatbelt/child restraint usage), vehicle safety, insurance compliance, registration violations and speeding.

KSP will be partnering with local law enforcement agencies to conduct traffic safety checkpoints in the Post 1 District. KSP utilizes traffic safety checkpoints to promote safety for motorists and to provide a deterrent for those who violate the laws contained in the Kentucky Revised Statutes. For traffic safety checkpoint locations in the post 1 area, please refer to the following web site: http://kentuckystatepolice.org/post-locations/post1/post-1-road-check-locations/

Citizens are encouraged to report impaired or erratic drivers and criminal activity by calling KSP toll-free at 1-800-222-5555 or through the KSP mobile app.

Victoria P. Martin, 34, of the 1100 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, arrested on a charge of second-degree criminal abuse (child 12 or younger)

A woman whose infant daughter was flown to an out-of-state hospital with a fractured skull has been arrested on a charge of second-degree criminal abuse.

Hospital officials called Paducah police Friday, August 24, when a 7-month-old infant was flown from Baptist Health Paducah to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN, with a fractured skull and brain bleed. The child’s mother claimed the infant rolled off the bed onto the hardwood floor four days previously.

The mother, Victoria P. Martin, told police that, beginning in June 2018, the infant began falling off the bed onto the floor. She said this happened approximately 10 times – the last time being last Monday – before she purchased a crib for the baby on Tuesday.

Martin was interviewed again this morning at the police department, and arrested on a charge of second-degree criminal abuse (child 12 or younger). She was booked into McCracken County Regional Jail.

The investigation is continuing and other charges are possible.

Ray T. “Trey” Streetman, 40, of North 9th Street, served an indictment warrant charging him with theft by failure to make required disposition of property ($10,000 or more)

The founder of a local charitable foundation arrested two weeks ago for using another man’s credit card and EBT card has now been indicted for stealing more than $76,000 in a scheme involving the foundation.

Ray T. “Trey” Streetman, founder of the Hope Foundation, was indicted Friday, August 24, by a McCracken County grand jury on a charge of theft by failure to make required disposition of property ($10,000 or more).

On May 14, Abdulaziz Payziev of Nashville, TN, told Paducah police that he gave Streetman $76,300 to buy cellular phones, tablets and accessories from a local Verizon store. By purchasing through the Hope Foundation, Streetman received a discounted price for the electronics, according to Det. Matt Scheer.

Payziev, who owns an electronics resale store in Nashville, said Streetman was supposed to send the items to him to resell. He said he never received the items, and could no longer get in contact with Streetman.

Streetman was served with the indictment warrant at McCracken County Regional Jail. He has been incarcerated there since his arrest on August 17 on charges of fraudulent use of a credit card and fraudulent use of an ID card of electronic code for benefits.

In that case, Streetman was accused of taking the cards from a wallet given to him for safekeeping, and using them.

Hickory, KY (September 3, 2018) – The Kentucky State Police was notified of a two vehicle collision with injuries at US 45 and KY 408 at approximately 09:53 a.m. Preliminary investigation shows  Ahmed Al-Aboudy, 28 of Dearborn, MI. traveling north on US 45 in the right lane. Al-Aboudy was operating a 2007 Volvo semi-tractor trailer loaded with processed chickens.  Shermone S.  Knox, 33 of Clinton, KY., was traveling north on US 45 in the left lane in a 2008 Saturn.  Al-Aboudy failed to stop in time and rear ended Knox.  Knox went into the median turn lane, Al-Aboudy traveled through the intersection and overturned off the right side of the roadway, spilling its load on the ground.  Knox was transported by EMS to a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision.  Knox was arrested for DUI 1^st, and possession of drug paraphernalia.  He was lodged in the Graves County jail.

Trooper Paul Berhow was assisted on the scene by the Graves County Sheriff’s Office, Mayfield EMS, Viola, Fire Department, Graves County Health Department, and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentucky State Police Post 1 at 270-856-3721 or anonymously at 1-800-222-5555.  Citizens may also report tips anonymously through the KSP app.