A police officer was allegedly forced to draw his weapon earlier this week at the Harlan National Guard Armory after a man approached him wielding a piece of wood.

Anthony Frederick Latham, 45, of Harlan, was charged with first-degree criminal mischief, third-degree criminal trespassing, alcohol intoxication, disorderly conduct, third-degree terroristic threatening, resisting arrest and menacing.

According to a police citation prepared by Harlan City Police officer Jason Snelling, the police station received a call that an individual was trespassing at the armory under the influence.

Snelling said upon his arrival, Latham walked towards him cursing and staggering, and told him he was going to “kick his a--.”

“I then retrieved my (steel baton) and ordered the subject to get on the ground,” Snelling said. “(Latham) refused and said he was going to get a stick and kill me. He picked up a 2x4 and started walking toward me. I drew out my duty weapon and ordered him to drop the weapon. He refused and slung the 2x4 at my cruiser, striking the passenger side door (and) breaking the side mirror.”

Snelling called for assistance in apprehending Latham. He was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center with bond set at 10 percent of $10,000.

According to the Harlan County Detention Center Web site, Latham has been arrested approximately 40 times in the past six years. His arrests have varied from intoxication to mischief.

Latham's current charge of criminal mischief is a Class D felony. He could receive up to five years in prison if convicted of the offense.

In other police news, Matthew Cornett, 24, of Cumberland, is charged with theft/receipt of a stolen credit card of two or more cards, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, unlawful transaction with a minor, possession of drug paraphernalia and custodial interference.

Joshua Niece, 20, of Ermine, is also charged with custodial interference, unlawful transaction with a minor, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and public intoxication.

According to a police citation prepared by Cumberland City Police Sgt. Silas Whitehead and officer Mike Franks, Cornett and Niece took a vehicle belonging to a woman in Cumberland to get cigarettes and never returned the vehicle. It is also alleged that the men took the woman's 17-year-old daughter with them.

Whitehead said the minor was not voluntarily returned home. She was found at Cornett's home.

Whitehead said there were numerous items of drug paraphernalia found at Cornett's residence, including needles, rigs, spoons and cotton. Also found at Cornett's residence were two stolen credit/debit cards belonging to another individual in Cumberland.

Harlan County Sheriff's deputy Joey Vicini assisted the officers in the arrests.

Whitehead said other charges are pending against Cornett and Niece. They were lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center.

Eleshia D. Smith, 24, of West Liberty, is charged with second-degree burglary. Whitehead said Smith is Cornett's girlfriend.

According to a citation prepared by Cumberland City Police officer Rodney Sturgill, Smith went into the residence of Isaac and Amanda Pennington while no one was at home and took a video camera, a Game Boy Advance, a game and a charger.

Sturgill said Smith provided a statement admitting to taking the items. He said the value of the items was over $300.

Smith was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center and later released on her own recognizance.

Sturgill was assisted in the arrest by officer Anthony Jenkins.