A Leitchfield man wanted for strangulation has been arrested after running from Leitchfield police and being caught with heroin.
Tuesday morning just after midnight, Leitchfield Police Department Sgt. Keith Harrell and Officer DJ Newton responded to the 100 block of West White Oak Street after receiving a report of a suspicious male wearing all black in the area, according to the arrest citation.
A few minutes after arriving at the scene, Newton spotted the man in the 300 block of West White Oak Street, standing next to a business. The citation states that upon the suspect, 22-year-old Ralph D. Meridith, spotting Newton he fled on foot.
As police canvassed the area, Harrell observed Meridith running behind a residence. Harrell exited his cruiser and began chasing Meridith on foot, with the sergeant catching the suspect and taking him to the ground as he reached the 400 block of West White Oak Street.
According to the citation, Harrell saw Meridith toss a baggie just before being caught. Further investigation showed the baggie contained heroin.
Meridith was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance (heroin) and second-degree fleeing or evading police (on foot). He was also served with a failure to appear warrant out of Daviess County charging him with first-degree strangulation, a felony, and fourth-degree assault.
Meridith was lodged in the Grayson County Detention Center.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
