The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Critical Incident Response Team continues to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Sept. 16, 2024, in Russell County.

On Feb. 27, 2025, troopers from Post 15, Columbia, served an arrest warrant for Linda M. Ashbrook, from Russell Springs, Ky., on charges of Complicity to Murder, Hindering Prosecution, Wanton Endangerment, and Persistent Felony Offender relating to the death of Russell County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) Deputy Joshua Phipps. Ms. Ashbrook was taken into custody without incident. She was lodged in the Russell County Jail on a $100,000 cash bond.

Two other individuals were with her at the time and were arrested on outstanding warrants not related to the officer-involved shooting investigation.

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.

Just after 9 p.m. on Saturday night, Casey County Deputy Austin Harris was monitoring traffic at the intersection of East KY70 and KY198 when he observed a 2003 Ford Taurus with an unlit rear license plate, and initiated a traffic stop.

The driver, Donnesia Richards, admitted she didn't have an insurance card. K9 Nitro was deployed and detected a positive alert on the driver's side door.
Deputy Harris asked Richards if there was anything illegal in the vehicle, to which she responded no. He then noticed three children in car seats, not strapped in correctly. Richards confirmed there was someone available to pick up her children.

Richards had glassy, bloodshot eyes and the odor of alcohol was detected coming from her person. When asked, she admitted to drinking three shooters. A PBT test showed a significant presence of alcohol. After a friend arrived to pick up the children, a search of the vehicle revealed an empty shooter and a THC vape pen in Richards' purse.
Richards admitted to drinking and using the THC vape pen about an hour prior. She failed Field Sobriety Tests.

Donnesia Richards, (aka Donnesia Japri Hunn), age 29, of Middleburg, was lodged in the Casey County Jail on charges of Endangering the Welfare of a Minor, DUI (aggravating circumstance), No Insurance, Driving on Expired Operator's License, Rear License Not Illuminated, and Failure to Use Child Restraint Device in a motor vehicle.

Around 4:20pm, Casey County Deputies Austin Harris and Tyler Luttrell arrived at a residence on Hopewell Spur Road to serve a warrant on Bridgett M. Hopkins, 34, of Crab Orchard. Upon arrival, Deputy Harris knocked on the front door, announcing the Sheriff's Department, while Deputy Luttrell covered the back door. Observing smoke from a wood stove and fresh tracks on the porch, Harris contacted Brian Wright to request a search warrant.

Bridgett finally emerged from the front door with a male, later identified as Michael Rodgers Lamb, 35, of Lancaster, behind her. When Harris commanded Bridgett to place her hands behind her back, she resisted. Harris managed to grab her arm and restrained her as she struggled. Luttrell then entered the residence, demanding that Lamb place his hands behind his back. After Lamb's continued non-compliance, Harris entered the home to assist in restraining him. Inside, they found bullets, a bottle cap with suspected meth, and a used needle on the coffee table.

Clearing the residence for officer safety, Harris discovered Clyde E. Miller, 48, of Liberty, hiding behind a stove. Miller complied and exited the house. Bridgett admitted to sleeping on the couch and consented to a search of her belongings, which revealed multiple bottle caps with suspected meth, used needles, and loaded needles. 

A futher search of the home uncovered more bottle caps in a back bedroom where Bridgett had slept the previous night, along with a baggie containing approximately 8 grams of meth, which Bridgett claimed. Further searching revealed a needle, a bottle cap with suspected meth, and a baggie with suspected meth in the bedroom where Miller was found.

All three were arrested and transported to Casey County Jail. Bridgett was charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine-1st Degree, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Resisting Arrest. Clyde was charged with Possession of Meth-1st Degree-3rd Offense and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Michael was served with an outstanding warrant from Lincoln County for Failure to Appear.

Central Ky was hit with an arctic blast last week, closing many area schools and businesses. 
Somerset Mayor Alan Keck takes a moment to brag on the road department's efforts for snow managment...

Kentucky State Police (KSP) responded to a hit-and-run collision in Nelson Co. Friday night that resulted in a fatality.  

On Feb. 21, around 11:00 P.M. EST, KSP Post 4 received a call from the Nelson Co. Dispatch requesting KSP investigate after a vehicle struck a pedestrian near the 13-mile marker on the Bluegrass Parkway. 

The preliminary investigation revealed that Nelson Pacheco, Jr., 20, of Cicero, IL, was changing a tire on a vehicle stopped in the westbound emergency lane on the Bluegrass Parkway. Another pedestrian, Amari Mays-Clark, 20, of Frankfort, was standing near the rear driver’s side bumper when a Jeep Grand Cherokee crossed the fog line and struck Mays-Clark and Pacheco and continued without stopping.

Mays-Clark was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Nelson Co. Coroner’s Office. Pacheco was transported to Baptist Health Hardin for non-life-threatening injuries. 

Several hours later, the driver of the Jeep, Jason T. Hamilton, 48, of Rineyville, turned himself into KSP and was charged with Vehicular Homicide When Under the Influence of Alcohol, Leaving the Scene of an Accident-Failure to Render Aid or Assistance and Assault, 4th Degree (Minor Injury). He was later lodged in the Nelson Co. Detention Center.

The westbound lanes of the Bluegrass Parkway were closed for several hours to allow troopers to reconstruct the collision. KSP Post 4 was assisted at the scene by the Nelson Co. EMS and the Nelson Co. Coroner’s Office. The collision remains under investigation by reconstructionist Tpr. Scott Wheatley.

The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) division will take part in Operation SafeDRIVE (Distracted Reckless Impaired Visibility Enforcement). This national effort from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) aims to reduce unsafe driving behaviors frequently contributing to passenger and commercial vehicle crashes to save lives. KSP’s CVE division will join this initiative from Tuesday, February 25, 2025, to Thursday, February 27, 2025.

Operation SafeDRIVE highlights hazardous interstate driving behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, failing to wear seat belts and driving under the influence. As part of the campaign, KSP Commercial Vehicle Inspectors will conduct inspections at scale facilities to ensure compliance with safety standards. These checks include reviewing hours of service, commercial driver’s licenses, medical certifications and vehicle credentials.

Officer Steven Douglas, East Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Spokesperson, emphasized the importance of the initiative in improving roadway safety.

“We are proud to participate in Operation SafeDRIVE to ensure safer travel for everyone using Kentucky’s highways,” said Ofc. Douglas. “By addressing risky driving behaviors, we aim to educate all motorists, whether behind the wheel of a passenger vehicle or a commercial motor vehicle, about the importance of responsibly sharing the road.”

KSP encourages all drivers to follow these tips for safer roadways:

• Avoid blind spots: Large trucks and buses have significant blind spots on all sides. Be mindful of these areas when driving near them.
• Pass carefully: Always ensure you can see the truck driver in their side mirror before passing. Use turn signals and make sure you can see the commercial vehicle in your rearview mirror before merging back into the lane.
• Do not cut off large vehicles: Large trucks require a longer stopping distance. Cutting them off can lead to dangerous situations.
• Maintain a safe following distance: Avoid tailgating commercial vehicles, as this puts you in their blind spot and limits your reaction time.

This initiative aligns with the FMCSA’s national "Our Roads, Our Safety" campaign, which educates all drivers on safe practices for sharing the road with large vehicles.

The Kentucky State Police remain committed to their mission of enhancing public safety through service, integrity and professionalism. By fostering partnerships and focusing on both education and enforcement, KSP works to prevent crashes, protect property and uphold the rights of all citizens. Learn more about Commercial Vehicle Enforcement here.

Shortly after noon on Friday, Deputy Tyler Luttrell of the Casey County Sheriff's Office observed traffic on Hopewell Road. He followed a 2009 Nissan Altima that ran a stop sign and failed to signal a turn. The vehicle then pulled into a driveway, and Deputy Luttrell activated his lights and approached the driver, Michael S. Hendrickson, 33, of Crab Orchard, and passenger Amanda L. Noll-Nafee, 37, of Harrodsburg. 

When asked about the traffic violations, Hendrickson, appearing nervous, claimed the vehicle's brakes were faulty. He also mentioned he was unsure whose driveway they were in and that the car was under someone else's name. Michael admitted his license was suspended, and Amanda revealed she might have a warrant. Deputy Austin Harris arrived on the scene and deployed K-9 Nitro, who alerted positively to the vehicle.

After requesting both occupants to exit the vehicle, Deputies Luttrell and Harris began a search. Dispatch confirmed Hendrickson's suspended license and Amanda's active warrant. Deputy Harris discovered a pink bag containing needles and a small container with suspected meth residue. Additionally, a small baggie with a suspicious substance was found under the center console.

Amanda was arrested for her warrant and possession of suspected methamphetamine. She was also served a warrant out of Mercer County for Trafficking Meth, and Possession of Fentanyl. Michael faces charges for disregarding a stop sign, failing to signal, driving with a suspended license, failing to register the vehicle, and DUI-controlled substance-2nd offense. Both were lodged in the Casey County Jail.

The Kentucky State Police, Post 7, Richmond, was contacted just before 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2025, in reference to a shots-fired complaint that occurred on Irvine Road in Madison County.

The initial investigation indicates that Rodney D. Hunt, 52, of Richmond, KY, began discharging two firearms inside his home in the direction of three other people within the residence. A juvenile inside of the residence sustained minor injuries and was treated on scene by Madison County EMS. No other injuries occurred. 

The Kentucky State Police arrived at the scene, spoke with Mr. Hunt, and had him exit the residence before taking him into custody. He was then lodged in the Madison County Detention Center.

Rodney D. Hunt was charged with:

1. One count of Assault, 1st Degree - Domestic Violence
2. Eleven counts of Wanton Endangerment 1st- Discharge of Firearm

Kentucky State Police Trooper Chase Gilbert is continuing the investigation. He was assisted on the scene by Post 7 personnel, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and Madison County EMS.

Pulaski County Schools are taking law and order in-house, creating the district's own separate police force. They recently named a Chief of the department. 

Jeff Henderson reports...

Boil Water Advisories have been issued for customers on Chappel's Dairy Road, and Newell Road. That's due to water line repairs.

Customers in those areas should boil any water used for human consumption, bringing to a rolling boil for at least three minutes, and boil water for short-term use only.

If you have any questions, contact your water provider.

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM CST /7 PM EST/
THIS EVENING TO 11 AM CST /NOON EST/ WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 3 and
  5 inches.

* WHERE...Portions of east central, north central, northwest, and
  south central Kentucky.

* WHEN...From 6 PM CST /7 PM EST/ this evening to 11 AM CST /noon
  EST/ Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous
  conditions could impact the Wednesday morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. In Indiana, for Indiana Road
Conditions please visit http://511in.org In Kentucky, for Kentucky
Road Conditions please visit http://goky.ky.gov

The Casey County Fiscal Court met in regular session Monday. 

Just prior to the meeting, the Court held a hearing for public comment on the removal of Shannon Drive from the County road inventory. There was no public comment, however, Brian Carman gave the opinion of a special committee appointed to inspect the road, stating Shannon Drive served no benefit to the County.

Under General Business, Judge Executive Randy Dial gave First Reading of a Budget Amendment...

... The amendment was approved.

Magistrates also voted in favor of hiring a Deputy Coroner at a rate of $450 per month. The also approved the annual Emergency Management Contract with the State.
Under Road Business, the Court voted to advertise for bids for a box culvert on Coffey Road.

County employees will receive a salary adjustment...

The Court voted on the proposal of removing Shannon Drive ...

... County Attorney Tommy Weddle stipulated that the request needs to be submitted in writing. Magistrates approved the removal, pending a signed, written request.

Casey County Sheriff Chad Weddle presented his departments monthly activity report... ((CHAD))

Court also heard the monthly Jail report, and Coroner's report.

Full audio from the public hearing... 

Full audio from the meeting... 

On February 12, 2025, at approximately 3:16 PM, the East Bernstadt Fire Department responded to an explosion at a residence on Glenview Road in northern Laurel County. Upon arrival, firefighters found the home fully engulfed in flames.

The homeowner, Shirley Wynn, age 66, of London, sustained severe burns, covering approximately 80% of her body. She received immediate medical attention and was transported by Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County to St. Joseph-London Hospital before being transferred to a specialized burn treatment facility in Louisville.

Kentucky State Police Trooper Steve Walker, a Fire Investigator, is currently leading an investigation. Early findings suggest the explosion may have been caused by propane gas used for floor space heaters. The investigation is ongoing, and both Kentucky State Police and the East Bernstadt Fire Department are continuing their work.

The Casey County Board of Education held their regular monthly meeting Monday night.
Superintendent, Barry Lee...

The next regular meeting of the Casey County School Board will be Monday, March 10th.

Due to repairs at City Hall, the Council met at the Casey County Judicial Center.
 

Glen Phillips Jr., Commander of the Casey County VFW post, gave an update on their new facility, and Mayor Sam Haddad announced the closing of the sale of the College Building...

The next regular meeting of the Liberty City Council will be Monday, March 10th.

• Liberty City Council meets in a special session today at 5pm at the Casey County Judicial Center, downtown Liberty.
• Casey County Board of Education holds their regular monthly meeting this evening at 7pm at the Board Annex on N-127.

Both meetings are open to the public.

An Arizona man was arrested after spinning tires in a parking lot.

Shortly after 11 pm on Wednesday, Casey County Deputy Austin Harris observed a vehicle pull into a parking lot, spin its tires, and park. Deputy Harris watched the man remain inside for 10 minutes, drinking from a Michelob Ultra bottle. 

The driver, later identified as 24-year-old Francisco Lopez Gomez from Benton, AR, exited the vehicle with bags in hand and staggered across the road. He dropped several beers and fell into the street while attempting to retrieve them. 

Deputy Harris activated his emergency lights and blocked the road, securing Gomez from traffic. Gomez, visibly impaired with slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and poor balance, stated he had driven from work at a Mexican restaurant in Danville. Despite his condition, he insisted he was fine. 

Gomez was arrested and taken to Casey County Jail on charges of Alcohol Intoxication in a Public Place and No Operator's License.

4H interview with Meagan, Gage, and Maya...