Kentucky State Trooper stabbed while taking suspect into custody

bradley-k-harris-05-23
bradley-k-harris-05-23

A Kentucky State Police Trooper has been stabbed while taking a suspect into custody.

On Wednesday, Troopers Nathan Roark and Tyler Smith, along with Bath County Sheriff Jesse Stewart, served an arrest warrant on 42-year-old Bradley K. Harris, of Owingsville, on Moores Ferry Road in Salt Lick.

Harris was wanted for fleeing or evading police, possession of a firearm by convicted felon, terroristic threatening, and defacing a firearm, and several motor vehicle violations, according to Kentucky State Police.

Upon arriving at Harris’ residence, police made contact with the suspect’s wife, Peggy Harris, 41, who told police her husband had left the residence. She then gave police consent to search the home where authorities located her husband barricaded in a walk-in closet.

Bradley Harris was given commands to exit the closet, but he refused to come out, resulting in authorities entering the closet where an altercation ensued. During the altercation, Bradley Harris brandished a knife and, according to police, stabbed Smith in his upper leg before authorities were able take the suspect into custody.

Smith was transported to St. Claire Hospital where he was treated and released.

Harris, who suffered injuries during the arrest, was transported to St. Claire Hospital by Kentucky State Police and later transferred to University of Kentucky Medical Center.

In addition to the original warrants, Harris has been charged with first-degree assault of a police officer, possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), resisting arrest, and two counts of felony wanton endangerment of a police officer.

Peggy Harris was charged with hindering prosecution or apprehension and possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine).

Peggy Harris was lodged in the Montgomery County Regional Jail but is no longer listed as an inmate.

(Photo: Previous mugshot of Bradley K. Harris)

By Ken Howlett, News Director

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