A Hopkins County man has been accused of shooting at a pursuing trooper in Dawson Springs.
Thursday night at approximately 11:35, Kentucky State Police said a trooper attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation in Dawson Springs.
“The vehicle and suspect failed to stop, and a vehicle pursuit ensued through Dawson Springs,” state police said. “During the pursuit, gunshots were fired at the trooper from the suspect (sic) vehicle.”
During the ensuing investigation, which involved state police and the Madisonville and Dawson Spring Police Departments, police located and arrested the driver of the fleeing vehicle, 33-year-old Kristopher A. Barker, of Dawson Springs, and a passenger, 32-year-old Tanner M. Southerland, of Madisonville.
Southerland was charged with attempted murder of a police officer. Barker was charged with conspiracy to attempted murder of a police officer, fleeing or evading police (motor vehicle), reckless driving, and no taillights.
Both suspects were lodged in the Hopkins County Detention Center on $500,000 cash bonds.
(Photo l-r: Tanner M. Southerland, Kristopher A. Barker)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
