A death investigation is underway in Hart County following an assault by an Elizabethtown man that led to a Horse Cave man’s death.
Kentucky State Police said that troopers responded on February 14 to a residence in the 200 block of Vial Street in Horse Cave regarding an assault where a male, identified as 46-year-old John Ray, suffered critical injuries. Ray was airlifted to University of Louisville Hospital.
The suspect, 43-year-old Brandon L. Wease, of Elizabethtown, fled the scene in Ray’s Buick Regal, but was later arrested on Flint Ridge Road following a police pursuit, according to WCLU.com. During the pursuit, Wease tossed a backpack out of the vehicle. Following the pursuit, police found the backpack, which contained a firearm.
Wease was lodged in the Hart County Jail where he was charged with a litany of counts related to the pursuit, including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a controlled substance (drug unspecified), two counts of fleeing or evading police, tampering with physical evidence, felony wanton endangerment of a police officer, and first-degree criminal mischief along with several other charges.
According to Kentucky State Police, Ray passed away on Monday evening.
Wease, according to the Hart County Jail, has not yet been charged in either the assault or death of Ray, as state police is requesting anyone with “information regarding this incident” to contact KSP Post 3 at 270-782-2010.
The investigation is being led by KSP Det. Jordan Matthews.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
