Man deemed ‘significant threat to public safety’ arrested for drug trafficking, other charges in Hopkinsville

HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. (WKRN) — A man with a lengthy criminal history in Christian County is facing nearly a dozen new charges after he reportedly crashed into a police cruiser while trying to flee Hopkinsville officers Wednesday.

The Hopkinsville Police Department said its SWAT and Special Investigative Unit executed a search warrant on Wednesday, May 15 at a home along McKee Street as part of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking in the area.

As officers approached the residence, the suspect — identified by police as 39-year-old Demarcus McCarley — tried to flee the scene in a rental vehicle. In a “dangerous attempt to evade arrest,” authorities said McCarley nearly hit an officer on foot and then rammed his vehicle into a police cruiser. However, law enforcement surrounded McCarley and took him into custody without further incident.

According to officials, Wednesday’s arrest marks McCarley’s 12th encounter with law enforcement, including his sixth drug trafficking charge, all within Christian County.

“Despite previous convictions on drug trafficking charges, McCarley has continued to pose a significant threat to public safety and the well-being of our community,” police said in a statement on Thursday, May 16.

Hopkinsville’s Special Investigative Unit reportedly worked with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to conduct an extensive investigation, which led to McCarley’s apprehension. Authorities said his new charges include:

• First-degree wanton endangerment of a police officer
• First-degree fleeing and evading police
• Operating on a suspended license
• Resisting arrest
• First-degree criminal mischief
• First-degree trafficking a controlled substance (cocaine, firearm enhanced)
• First-degree trafficking a controlled substance (fentanyl, firearm enhanced)
• First-degree trafficking a controlled substance (methamphetamine, firearm enhanced)
• Possession of marijuana (firearm enhanced)
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Possession of a handgun by a convicted felon

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“This arrest demonstrates the dedication of our law enforcement officers in combating drug trafficking and ensuring the safety of our community,” said Hopkinsville Police Chief Jason Newby. “We will continue to work tirelessly to hold individuals like McCarley accountable for their actions and to keep our streets safe.”

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