Man arrested after assault in Harlan

Published 4:56 pm Friday, May 10, 2019

A man was arrested in Harlan after allegedly assaulting a woman in the Taco Bell parking lot.

Travis Rutherford, 32, was arrested by Harlan City Police Department officers on May 6.

According to the citation, officers received a complaint of domestic abuse at Taco Bell. Officers say Rutherford fled on foot to the walking track before being apprehended.

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Witnesses at Taco Bell said a black car was waiting in the drive-thru when Rutherford allegedly began to yell and curse at a female before striking her in the face several times. Rutherford then brandished a knife and got out of the vehicle to continue arguing before fleeing from the scene.

Officers spoke with the female and another occupant from the vehicle, who confirmed an account of what happened. Officers added the female showed signs of bruising and redness around her left eye.

Rutherford was charged with fourth-degree assault (minor injury), second-degree wanton endangerment, second-degree disorderly conduct, theft by unlawful taking (auto; $500 or more but under $10,000) and four counts non-payment of fines.

Rutherford was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center on a $2,500 full-cash bond, $5,000 (10 percent with bail credit) and a combined pay-or-stay total of $2,751;

In other police activity:

• Kenneth Saylor, 50, of Coldiron, was arrested by Harlan County Sheriff’s Office deputies on May 3. He was charged with possession of firearm by convicted felon, carrying a concealed weapon and first-degree possession of controlled substance (methamphetamine). He was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center on a $1,500 full-cash bond;

• Jason Clem, 42, of Cawood, was arrested by Kentucky State Police troopers on May 3. He was charged as a fugitive (warrant not required) with resisting arrest and tampering with physical evidence. He was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center on a $3,500 full-cash bond and $5,000 full-cash bond;

• Jarrod Eldridge, 24, of Cumberland, was arrested by Cumberland Police Department officers on May 4. He was charged with first-degree possession of controlled substance (methamphetamine). He was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center on a $1,500 full-cash bond;

• Travis Demarais, 27, of LaFayette, Indiana, was arrested by Harlan County Sheriff’s Office deputies on May 6. He was charged as a fugitive from another state (warrant required). He was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center with a waived extradition;

• Byrd Smith, 36, of Cawood, was arrested by Harlan County Sheriff’s Office deputies on May 6. He was charged with first-degree trafficking controlled substance (LSD), two counts first-degree trafficking controlled substance (greater than or equal to 2 grams methamphetamine), first-degree possession of controlled substance (methamphetamine), illegal possession of legend drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, non-payment of court costs/fines/fees and contempt of court. He was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center on a $3,500 full-cash bond and pay-or-stay amount of $211;

• John Bates, 37, was arrested by Harlan City Police Department officers on May 8. He was charged with first-degree possession of controlled substance (methamphetamine), receiving stolen property (under $10,000), second-degree fleeing/evading police (on foot), second-degree disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and menacing. He was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center on a $3,500 full-cash bond and $2,500 full-cash bond;

• Brandon Adams, 37, of Coldiron, was arrested by Kentucky State Police troopers on May 8. He was charged with possession of firearm by convicted felon, no registration receipt, failure to produce insurance card, operation of motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs/alcohol and two counts failure to appear. He was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center on a $2,000 full-cash bond;

• Tommy Chasteen, 32, of Wallins, was arrested by Harlan County Sheriff’s Office deputies on May 8. He was charged with first-degree possession of controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to appear. He was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center with a $1,500 full-cash bond;

• Abbigal Thomas, 20, of Cawood, was arrested by Harlan County Sheriff’s Office deputies on May 9. She was charged with first-degree possession of controlled substance (methamphetamine), contempt of court, failure to wear seat belts, third-degree criminal trespassing, resisting arrest, first-degree fleeing/evading police (motor vehicle), second-degree fleeing/evading police (on foot), first-degree assault (police officer), first-degree wanton endangerment (police officer), reckless driving and receiving stolen property (under $10,000). She was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center on a $3,500 full-cash bond;

• James Richards, 44, of Coldiron, was arrested by Harlan County Sheriff’s Office deputies on May 9. He was charged with first-degree possession of controlled substance (methamphetamine) and failure to appear. He was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center on a $2,500 full-cash bond with bail credit;

• James Graham, 49, of Pineville, was arrested by Harlan County Detention Center officials on May 9. He was charged with first-degree trafficking controlled substance (greater than or equal to 10; drug unspecified). He was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center on an unsecured bond of $3,500;

• Christy Garner, 43, of Loyall, was arrested by Loyall Police Department officers on May 9. She was charged with second-degree burglary. She was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center on an unsecured bond of $3,500;

• Kevin Napier, 22, of Coldiron, was arrested by Harlan County Sheriff’s Office deputies on May 9. He was charged with theft by unlawful taking ($500 or more but under $10,000). He was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center with a $1,000 full-cash bond;

• Devon Foster, 21, of Harlan, was arrested by Harlan City Police Department officers on May 9. He was charged with trafficking controlled substance (within 1,000 feet of school) and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center on an unsecured bond of $3,500.