The September session of the Todd County Grand Jury resulted in several indictments, highlighting a range of alleged criminal activities from property crimes to serious traffic violations.
Patrick Crafton, 43, of Russellville, was indicted on a series of charges related to alleged theft and property damage. The indictment accuses Crafton of theft by unlawful taking or disposition, first-degree criminal mischief, and theft of services. Additionally, he faces a charge of driving on a DUI-suspended license, with the indictment also noting a first-degree charge of persistent felony offender.
The charges come from an incident on July 13th, where Todd County Sheriff’s deputies said Crafton was reportedly seen with a woman that day on camera in the daytime on a farm on Short Cut Road, looking for homes to rent, and later coming back and taking barn wood from the barn, leaving some equipment exposed to the weather.
Crafton was later arrested in Logan County.
In a separate indictment, Collin Counts, 39, of Smiths Grove, was indicted on multiple traffic and substance-related offenses. Counts is accused of speeding 84 MPH in a 55 MPH zone, reckless driving, and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. He was also indicted on charges of possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, and second-degree persistent felony offender.
The charges came after a June 21st traffic stop by the Guthrie Police Department.
Zachary Dean Evans, 31, of Hopkinsville, faces a lengthy list of charges stemming from an alleged incident involving a high-speed chase. Evans was indicted for speeding, three counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, disregarding a stop sign, reckless driving, and fleeing or evading police in a motor vehicle. He also faces a charge for possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle and as a first-degree persistent felony offender.
On August 5th, Evans was involved in a pursuit that began in Todd County and ended in Christian County. Todd County Sheriff’s deputies said they located a vehicle driven by Evans on West Jeff Davis Highway, and he had fled from Elkton Police earlier that day.
When deputies attempted a traffic stop, Evans reportedly fled at a high rate of speed and turned his lights off. Deputies say the pursuit ended on Kentucky 115 near Bell Chapel Road. He reportedly resisted arrest and would not comply with law enforcement’s orders. Deputies say an open vodka bottle was located in the passenger side floorboard of Evans’ truck.
Evans has previously served a 33-month sentence, which included a three-year term of supervised release for possessing a pistol in 2020 after having been previously convicted of multiple felony offenses. The prior felony offenses include fraudulent use of a credit card, receiving stolen property, second-degree escape, first-degree fleeing police, and second-degree unlawful imprisonment.
Matthew Lyon, 27, of Elkton, was also indicted on a combination of charges, including second-degree disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and fourth-degree assault. Additionally, Lyon is accused of reckless driving, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol with aggravating circumstances, and driving on a DUI-suspended license. He, too, has been charged as a first-degree persistent felony offender.
On July 21st, Lyon was involved in an altercation in the Guthrie Dollar General parking lot. Lyon fled and was later located and arrested.
