Edmonson County man with multiple warrants steals truck, engages in nearly 8-hour standoff in Sweeden

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On Wednesday morning at approximately 5:40, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a stolen vehicle at 79 Deer Meadow Drive.

Upon arriving at the scene, the victim, 54-year-old Gerald Bova, of Bowling Green, told police that he exited his 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche and was “knocked over the head with a blunt object.” An altercation ensued, with the perpetrator grabbing the Chevy’s keys and stealing the truck.

Through a photograph, Bova identified 40-year-old Christopher Spencer, of Sweeden, as the man who assaulted him and stole his truck, according to the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.

Attempts were made to locate Spencer when he was found in Sweeden, a small Edmonson County community located just south of the Grayson County line, at about 8:00 Wednesday morning. Kentucky State Police, the Edmonson County Sheriff’s Office and Brownsville Police Department surrounded the home on Blackgold Road. The stolen truck was found near the home, according to Kentucky State Police.

Police, including the KSP Special Response Team, gave verbal commands for Spencer to surrender, but the suspect failed to come out of the home, police said.

At 3:57, after multiple rounds of gas canisters were deployed into the residence, Spencer exited the home, but refused to obey verbal commands to lie on the ground, according to authorities. A Taser was deployed by a member of the KSP Special Response Team, with Spencer taken into custody without further incident. 

In a possibly related matter, Warren County deputies earlier Wednesday morning assisted the Bowling Green Police Department in trying to locate a male that fled after assaulting two officers. Police believe that man may have been Spencer.

Spencer was transported and lodged at the Warren County Regional Jail where he’s been charged with robbery and theft by unlawful taking (automobile, over $10,000), resisting arrest, two counts of assault of a police officer, identity theft, and fleeing or evading police. He was also served with four arrest warrants for multiple domestic violence offenses (out of Jefferson County), criminal mischief and resisting arrest.

By Ken Howlett, News Director

Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000