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Joe P. Asher

Staff Report

A Cumberland man was arrested and lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center after a stand off with police on Thursday. Cebert Richard Randy Smith, 31, faces multiple charges after an alleged incident at a Cumberland residence.

Cumberland Police Sgt. Silas Whitehead said he received a call on his cell phone from Liz Estep concerning a man being inside her home. Whitehead said he proceeded to Estep’s home and called for back up.

Upon arrival, Whitehead said he and Cumberland Police Officers Cody Williamson and John Brown secured the outside of the residence. After Whitehead and Williamson entered the home, Whitehead said he noticed someone jumping into a closet in a back bedroom of the house. Whitehead and Williamson proceeded to the bedroom and ordered the individual to exit the closet. After several minutes without a response, Whitehead stood guard at the closet while Williamson opened the door.

“The individual came out of the closet with a huge battle axe in his hands telling us he would kill us if we came closer to him,” said Whitehead. “I continued to talk to Smith, telling him to put down the axe while he and Williamson backed away. After several minutes of negotiation, Smith finally put down the axe.”

Whitehead said Smith then attempted to escape out the bedroom window. Whitehead and Williamson then took Smith to the floor and handcuffed him.

Marijuana, needles, other controlled substances, along with a flat head screwdriver were allegedly found when Smith was searched.

Smith was charged with first-degree burglary, two counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, possession of a burglary tool, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting arrest, public intoxication and third-degree possession of a controlled substance.

In other police activity:

* The Harlan County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jody Thompson, 36, of Cranks, on charges of DUI, fleeing or second-degree evading the police, first-degree wanton endangerment, possession of drug paraphernalia, obstructed vision, no registration plates and failure of non owner to maintain insurance;

* Wendy Inman, 32, of Loyall, was arrested by the Harlan City Police on Wednesday on a charge of theft by deception.

Reach Joe P. Asher at 606-573-4510 or jasher@heartlandpublications.com