Kentucky State Police conducted a traffic stop on a white Chevrolet Trailblazer for moving violations in the Temple Hill area of Barren County just after 2 p.m. on Tuesday (10/15).
Once the vehicle stopped, a male passenger, later identified as 44 year-old Thomas L. Upton of Fredonia Kentucky, exited the front passenger side of the vehicle and fled from the scene on foot and the Trooper then gave chase. At one time during the foot pursuit, the Trooper observed Upton pull a firearm from his waistband before throwing it on the ground. The Trooper continued to give chase before losing sight of Upton in a wooded area.
The unknown driver of the Chevrolet Trailblazer fled the scene in the vehicle and their whereabouts are still unknown. A female passenger in the vehicle, later identified as 44 year-old Helen S. Vibbert of Park City, was later arrested at the scene and is charged with Obstructing Governmental Operations.
Several law enforcement officers from state and local agencies quickly responded to the area and began to search for Upton. The Kentucky State Police Aircraft Branch arrived with a helicopter and began to assist in the search. Temple Hill Elementary was briefly placed on lockdown as a precaution. Law enforcement searched the area for Upton for several hours before calling off the search.
On Wednesday (10/16), a School Resource Officer assigned to Temple Hill Elementary observed a male matching Upton’s description in the area and contacted Kentucky State Police.
A trooper who was conducting routine patrol in the area was able to locate the male and confirmed that it was Thomas Upton. Upton was arrested for an unrelated arrest warrant and was lodged in the Barren County Detention Center. Additionally, Upton was later charged with Fleeing and Evading 3rd degree, Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree- Police Officer, Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree, Possession of a Defaced Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Hindering Prosecution or Apprehension 2nd Degree, and Terroristic Threatening 3rd Degree relating to the traffic stop and foot pursuit.
Troopers were assisted on scene by the Barren County Sheriff’s Office. This investigation is ongoing by the Kentucky State Police.
Kentucky State Police urges anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Kentucky State Police Post 3 at 270-782-2010.
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