Johnson County, Ky – Kentucky State Police have arrested a Johnson County man in connection with a deadly shooting over the weekend. Troopers say 27-year-old Blake Webb, of West Van Lear, is charged with murder, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. Investigators say Webb allegedly shot Richard Roberts, of River, following a brief physical altercation at a residence on Main Camp Branch Saturday. Roberts died at the scene. Troopers say Webb fled but was taken into custody a short time later and is being held in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.
Perry County, Ky – A Perry County man is facing child endangerment charges after Kentucky State Police say he was impaired while caring for three young children. Troopers arrested 40-year-old Carl Wayne Asher Jr. of Busy, after responding to a welfare check at a home on Tincamp Lane. Police say Asher showed signs of impairment and failed field sobriety tests. Three children, ages 5, 7, and 11, were at the home. Troopers also discovered Asher had three active warrants from Perry and Leslie counties. The children were released to their mother, while DCBS continues its investigation.
Prestonsburg, Ky – An Oregon man has been arrested on a sexual abuse charge following an investigation by the Prestonsburg Police Department. Nineteen-year-old Jesse Gent, of Sherwood, Oregon, is charged with third-degree sodomy after police say he abused a teenage victim while in a position of trust. Investigators say Gent’s electronic devices were examined as part of the case, and an arrest warrant was later issued. Gent was arrested after returning to Kentucky and is being held in the Floyd County Detention Center. Police say the arrest is the fourth connected to Operation Safe Harbor.
Louisa, Ky – A Lawrence County woman is facing multiple charges in Mingo County following three separate incidents in July. Police say 21-year-old Courtney Jo Cooper, of Louisa, is charged with felony animal cruelty causing death and wanton endangerment involving a firearm, along with several misdemeanors. Investigators say Cooper allegedly struck and killed a dog with her vehicle, pointed a handgun at a man, damaged multiple vehicles in separate incidents, and assaulted another woman. Cooper was arrested July 28 and is being held in the Southwestern Regional Jail on $7,000 bond.