Breckinridge Co. man found guilty of second-degree assault. Jury recommends max sentence.

A Breckinridge County man who served as a Meade Co. deputy jailer has been found guilty of second-degree assault.

Nicholas S. Peek, 32, of McDaniels, was on trial in Breckinridge County for second-degree assault and first-degree wanton endangerment after shooting 44-year-old Michael J. Kunick, of Nicholasville.

According to the arrest citation, Peek approached Kunick, who was outside a residence in the 100 block of Clora Kiper Road in McDaniels, and shot him in the neck. Kunick then attempted to run from the area, with Peek following and continuing to shoot at the victim.

The incident took place during a domestic dispute on the evening of August 30, 2019. Kunick was airlifted to University of Louisville Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The jury, which found Peek not guilty of the wanton endangerment charge, recommended the maximum sentence of 10-years on the second-degree assault count. He will be formally sentenced on June 7.

During the trial, state Rep. Josh Calloway, R-Hardinsburg, was a witness for the defense.

Judge Kenneth H. Goff II oversaw the trial.

By Ken Howlett, News Director

Contact Ken at ken@k105.com