Staff Report

A deer described as a “good sized six-point buck” jumped through a window at Food City in Harlan late Wednesday, creating some anxious moments for store personnel and customers just before closing.

Store Manager Cathy Mills confirmed the incident that occurred sometime before midnight, saying the deer jumped through the top window of the door, shattering the glass.

Mills said those in the store were “fortunate” as the deer did not come into contact with them and it did not turn anything over before exiting the store.

“By luck, no one was going out the door or standing in front of it in the lobby when (the incident happened),” said Mills. “It had to be in a dead run.”

The deer went through the window at the entrance closest to Family Dollar.

Mills said she learned of the incident through a phone call from head cashier Frankie Saylor.

The deer headed to the produce department, then through floral, down aisle one and back up aisle three before leaving the store through an open door where someone had just exited.

Harlan City Police officers Britt Ross and Will Pope searched the area for the deer, but were unsuccessful in their search.

Mills said the store’s staff believed the deer appeared to be dazed.

The store was secured for the night and the glass was replaced early Thursday.

In other police news, the following arrests were reported:

• Joe McKinney, 38, of Harlan, was charged by Harlan Police Officer Britt Ross with trafficking marijuana-less than eight ounces, first offense; speeding 24 miles per hour over the limit; reckless driving; operating a motor vehicle under the influence; operating a motor vehicle on a suspended or revoked license; first-degree fleeing or evading police with a motor vehicle; second-degree wanton endangerment against a police officer; second-degree fleeing or evading police on foot; and trafficking a controlled substance, first offense. He was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center. No bond was set.

• Paula Jones, 47, of Evarts, was charged by Harlan County Sheriff’s Deputy Dee Dee Ulbrich with first-degree wanton endangerment. She was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center. Bond was set at $5,000, full cash.