Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over safe driving campaign:

Laurel County Sheriff John Root wants to help keep Laurel County families safe each and everyday by supporting the upcoming "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" Kentucky Highway Safety statewide campaign which begins Friday August 19, 2016 through Sept. 5, 2016. Sheriff Root offers the following tips:

Impaired drivers cause a large number of traffic crashes annually. Don’t drive impaired on alcohol or drugs. If citizens see an... impaired driver, call 911 to report where the suspect vehicle is. The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office will have zero tolerance for impaired drivers!

Dui arrest on East Laurel Road:

Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Deputy Shawn Boroviak arrested Austin Johnson age 37 of East Laurel Rd., London on Saturday morning August 13, 2016 at approximately 11:45 AM. The arrest occurred off East Laurel Rd., approximately 2 miles east of London after Deputy Boroviak observed a red colored GMC pickup backing his vehicle across lanes of traffic in a reckless manner after allegedly threatening his neighbors with a two by four. A traff...ic stop was conducted where Deputy Boroviak detected a strong odor of alcoholic beverages emitting from the driver who advised he had been drinking whiskey. There was no license plate on the vehicle and the driver was not wearing a seatbelt. Deputy Boroviak conducted an investigation on the driver determining that he was under the influence. Upon arrest this individual became belligerent pulling away and waving his arms around in an aggressive manner. Following a short scuffle where this subject continued to create a disturbance, and at one point attempted to strike Deputy Boroviak , this individual was taken into custody. Austin Johnson was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence – third offense; reckless driving; no registration plates; failure to wear seatbelts; failure of owner to maintain required insurance – first offense; driving on DUI suspended license – first offense; resisting arrest; disorderly conduct – first degree; menacing; and other traffic violations and was lodged in the Laurel County detention Center. Photo attached is courtesy of the Laurel County detention Center.

2 arrested trespassing off Haley Ridge Road;

Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Deputy Shawn Boroviak arrested two individuals off Haley Ridge Road, approximately 4 miles north of London on Thursday afternoon August 18, 2016 at approximately 12:15 PM. The arrest occurred after Deputy Boroviak was dispatched to a complaint that two individuals were at a residence there unlawfully removing items from a residence. When Deputy Boroviak arrived at the scene and conducted an inve...stigation he learned that the female subject had previously lived at the residence but was made to vacate the residence nearly 4 months ago. A male subject was there with her allegedly helping her remove items. When arrested the female subject began jerking and pulling away and screaming and saying that she wasn't going to jail and continued to scream creating a disturbance in a neighborhood. The two individuals arrested were identified as: Stacey Oakes age 25 of Sim Smith Ln., London charged with criminal trespass – first-degree; public intoxication – controlled substances; disorderly conduct – first-degree; and resisting arrest. In addition, this individual was charged on an outstanding Laurel County bench warrant of arrest charging that she left rehab upon arrival regarding charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence -3rd offense and possession of a controlled substance – first offense – second-degree. Also arrested was William Jones age 36 Of Days Rd., London charged with criminal trespassing – third-degree. The two individuals were lodged in the Laurel County detention Center. Photos attached are courtesy of Laurel County detention Center.

More charges on Echo Valley suspect :

Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Detective Kevin Berry along with Detective Kyle Gray charged Jeffrey Burkhart age 46 of EchoValley Rd., Lily with theft by unlawful taking – firearm and fraudulent use of a credit card after it was reported lost or stolen $500 or more and under $10,000 within six months. This subject was charged on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at approximately 1:08 PM at the Laurel County judicial Center where he is lodge...d from a previous investigation this past weekend where he allegedly was walking through a field toward a residence with a firearm and was shooting a weapon in the air threatening to kill his parents off Echo Valley Road. Deputies were dispatched to that complaint and arrested this individual charging him with wanton endangerment second-degree, terroristic threatening third-degree, disorderly conduct second-degree and public intoxication and lodged him in the Laurel County detention Center at that time. The new charges placed on this individual were the result of an investigation conducted by detectives at the Sheriff's office where the investigation determined that allegedly this individual borrowed his aunt's vehicle and stole a .38 caliber Rossi pistol from the console of her vehicle and then took it to a local pawn shop and pawned it. In addition, allegedly this individual took his aunts debit card without her permission and made purchases and cash advances over $1,101. Jeffrey Burkhart remains lodged in the Laurel County detention Center. Photo attached is courtesy of the Laurel County detention Center.

Weather watch for Laurel:

Sheriff John Root is reporting that the National Weather Service has issued a ... Hazardous Weather Outlook

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF EASTERN KENTUCKY.

Hit and run injury crash on U.S. 25 north of London:

Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Sgt. Brett Reeves is investigating a hit and run 2 vehicle injury traffic crash which occurred on US 25 approximately 1/2 mile north of London on Thursday afternoon August 18, 2016 at approximately 1:45 PM. The investigating deputy reports that apparently a silver colored SUV was making a left turn off US 25 to travel into a business parking lot when it was struck in the passenger side o...f the vehicle. The vehicle that struck her, a silver colored car then backed up and left the scene, failing to stop. The Silver car could possibly be a Saturn and will have front end damage.
The driver of the SUV was identified as Donna Renea Childers age 52 of London – transported by Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County to St. Joseph Hospital London for treatment of possible injuries. Assisting at the scene of the crash was: Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County and East Bernstadt Volunteer Fire department. Photo of crash site provided by Sgt. Brett Reeves. Anyone with any information regarding the silver colored car that fled the scene is asked to contact the Laurel County Sheriff's office at 606-864-6600 or 606-878-7000 – information will be strictly confidential. Investigation is continuing.

Arrest for public intoxication and drug possession in London:

Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Lieut. Greg Poynter along with Bailiff Brad Mink arrested Hubert Thomas, Jr age 29 Of Laurel Rd., London on Wednesday afternoon August 17, 2016 at approximately 2:35 PM. The arrest occurred at the Laurel County Public library off Ky 192, in London after deputies received a complaint of a male subject possibly impaired there. When deputies arrived at the scene and conducted an in...vestigation they determined that this subject was under the influence. While being processed to be lodged at the Laurel County detention Center, this subject was found in possession of pills that were determined to be morphine. Hubert Thomas, Jr was charged with public intoxication – controlled substances; possession of a controlled substance – second degree; and promoting contraband – first-degree. This individual was lodged in the Laurel County detention Center. Photo attached courtesy of the Laurel County detention Center.

Dui traffic crash on Hal Rogers Parkway overnight:

Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Sgt. Larry Parrott along with Deputy Shannon Jones investigated a single vehicle serious injury traffic crash which occurred on Hal Rogers Parkway, approximately 3 miles west of London early Wednesday morning August 17, 2016 at approximately 1:45 AM. When deputies arrived at the scene, they learned through investigation that apparently an orange colored Dodge ram pickup had crossed three ...lanes of traffic before striking a guard rail on the opposite side of the roadway causing the vehicle to flip onto its top. The driver was pinned in the vehicle and was partially ejected and had to be cut out. Deputies determined through investigation that the driver was under the influence – the driver admitted to drinking beer and stated she had just left a restaurant in town where she had been drinking approximately 5 min. before the accident occurred. The driver was identified as: Mercedes Hudson age 23 of Hwy 578, Annville. Due to the fact that the driver was airlifted to UK med Center for treatment of head trauma, the driver was cited for operating a motor vehicle under the influence – first offense; reckless driving; failure to wear seatbelts; and failure of owner to maintain required insurance – first offense. She has a court date of September 9, 2016 at 10:30 AM in Laurel district court. Assisting at the scene of the crash was: Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County, Swiss Colony volunteer Fire Department, and PHI helicopter. Photo of crash site provided by Sgt. Larry Parrott.

Phone scam reporting to be the IRS:

Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Laurel sheriff's Office is investigating a phone scam that is circulating in the Laurel County area. This scam has been attempted here numerous times before, and has surfaced again with many Laurel Countians receiving these phone calls attempting to steal their money.
The caller is posing as the IRS attempting to collect money they say is owed to the IRS and they threaten legal action if it is not sent. ...The caller is leaving a call back number and an officer's badge number--all of which is bogus.
Citizens need to be alerted that the IRS does not operate like this. Please do not fall prey to this attempt to steal money from unsuspecting people. Generally if citizens have caller I.D. on their phone, and do not recognize the caller’s number, it is recommended not to answer, and screen phone calls. Scammers can even program familiar phone numbers into their calls. Common sense applies here.
As always, we recommend that citizens never give out personal identifying information, and never send money, checks, or other means of cash. LSO continues to investigate.
A copy of 2 bogus scam phone calls reporting to be IRS is attached.Click on the white arrow to hear the bogus scam phone call.

Multiple injury traffic crash on Ky 30:

Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Deputy Josh Scott along with Deputy John Inman investigated a two vehicle multiple injury traffic crash which occurred on ky 30, approximately 1/2 mile east of London on Tuesday afternoon August 16, 2016 at approximately 12:46 PM. The investigating deputies report that apparently a black colored 95 Chevrolet pickup(whose driver reported blacking out) pulled out from East Pittsburgh Church Rd. in fro...nt of the path of a black colored 2005 Chevrolet Malibu and the two vehicles collided there. The pickup overturned.
The driver of the black pickup truck was identified as Gary Overbay age 50 of Wildcat Trail, East Bernstadt – injured and transported by Ambulance Inc. Laurel County to St. Joseph Hospital London for treatment of possible injuries
The driver of the black Malibu was identified as Joanna Robinson age 32 of Highway 578, East Bernstadt – injured and transported by Ambulance Inc. Laurel County to St. Joseph Hospital London for treatment of possible injuries
---a five-year-old male in the black Malibu was also injured and transported by Ambulance Inc. Laurel County to St. Joseph Hospital London for treatment of possible injuries.
Assisting at the crash site was: Laurel Sheriff's Bailiff Brad Mink and Bailiff Taylor McDaniel; also assisting was: Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County, London Laurel Rescue squad, Laurel Count Volunteer fire Department, and East Bernstadt volunteer fire department. Photo of crash site provided by Deputy Josh Scott.

Strong storms possible today and tonight:

Sheriff John Root is reporting that the National Weather Service has issued a ... Hazardous Weather Outlook

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF EASTERN KENTUCKY.

Dui nearly hits deputy's cruiser:

Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Deputy Tommy Houston along with Sgt. Larry Parrott and Detective Kyle Gray arrested two individuals early Tuesday morning August 16, 2016 at approximately 4:31 AM. The arrests occurred on US 25, approximately 10 miles south of London after Deputy Houston's cruiser was nearly struck by a black colored Nissan Altima while he was on another traffic stop. Deputy Houston conducted a traffic stop on the black Ni...ssan and learned from the driver that she did not have a driver's license because it was suspended for a prior DUI and she had no insurance. The driver had slurred speech and an investigation was conducted where she was determined to be under the influence. A passenger in the vehicle was also determined to be under the influence. The two individuals arrested were identified as the driver – Kayla Philpot age 24 Of Parker Rd., London charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence – second offense; driving on DUI suspended license – first offense; reckless driving; failure to wear seatbelts; failure of owner to maintain required insurance – second offense; and other traffic violations. Also arrested was the passenger in the vehicle identified as- Nathan Wagoner age 36 Foster Heights, London charged with public intoxication – controlled substances. The two individuals were lodged in the Laurel County detention Center. Photos attached are courtesy of the Laurel County detention Center.

Theft arrest:

Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Detective Kyle Gray along with Sheriff John Root developed information on the location of a suspect wanted in connection with a theft investigation being conducted by the Laurel County Sheriff's office. On Monday night August 15, 2016 at approximately 8:40 PM the suspect was located by Sheriff's deputies visiting a relative at the Laurel County detention Center. Deputies were investigating the theft of a life vest heart monit...or valued at $37,000 that the suspect had received approximately 1 1/2 years ago after a procedure was performed at St. Joseph Hospital London. Apparently, the monitor was to be returned after its use however the suspect failed to return it. Numerous attempts were allegedly made by the medical company to retrieve the equipment however they were unsuccessful. Deputy Gray arrested Emma Osborne age 40 of Hatcher road, London charging her with theft by unlawful taking $10,000 or more but under $1 million and lodged her in the Laurel County detention Center. Deputies are attempting to locate the heart monitor. Photo of accused is courtesy of the Laurel County detention Center.

LSO investigates multiple crashes on I-75:

Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Deputy Travis Napier, Deputy Rick Cloyd, and Sgt. Brett Reeves investigated a two vehicle injury traffic crash which occurred on I– 75, approximately 5 miles south of London on Tuesday afternoon August 16, 2016 at approximately 2:30 PM. The investigating deputies report that apparently a car was traveling northbound on I – 75 when it hydroplaned on wet roadways, lost control and struck an SUV. The... resulting collision caused both lanes of I -75 northbound to be blocked. As a result of this collision and the resulting traffic backup, an additional four non-injury traffic accidents occurred south of the original collision in the northbound lanes.

Subject refuses to identify himself:

Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Deputy Rick Cloyd arrested a male subject at Walmart near Corbin in southern Laurel County on Monday night August 15, 2016 at approximately 7:40 PM. The arrest occurred after Deputy Cloyd was dispatched to a complaint that a male subject was at Corbin Walmart and had been asked to leave the store and to leave customers alone and he refused to leave – this subject continue to bum for money and cigarettes... from customers. When Deputy Cloyd arrived at the scene this subject refused to give his identity information stating that he was the president of the United States and advised Deputy Cloyd to call the White House for his Social Security number. Deputy Cloyd advised this individual he was being lodged as John Doe and this subject stated that he rang Deputy Cloyd's bell and wasn't telling anything else. This individual identified only as John Doe was charged with criminal trespassing – third-degree and was lodged in the Laurel County detention Center. Photo attached is courtesy of the Laurel County detention Center.