Officer Assaulted After Traffic Stop

A Tompkinsville police officer was assaulted after making a traffic stop Wednesday night.

The officer stopped a car with one tail lamp and before he could get out of his patrol car, the driver of the car and his passenger exited the vehicle and were shouting profanities at the officer.

Officials say the officer attempted to place the female under arrest when the driver, Richard Ballard, got in between the officer and female and began to push the officer.

When the officer then attempted to arrest Ballard, he continued to resist. The officer drew his taser to which Ballard complied and was placed under arrest without any further incident.

During the altercation, the officer suffered a cut to his left elbow and a knot under his left eye. The officer refused treatment from EMS, who responded to the incident.

Ballard’s car was also damaged during the altercation.

Ballard was lodged in the Barren County Jail and charged with no tail lamps, disorderly conduct 2nd degree, resisting arrest, menacing, assault 3rd degree-police officer, criminal mischief 3rd degree.
Source: WBKO