Barbourville Police Department

06/07/2026

On behalf of the Barbourville Police Department, Chief Adam Townsley reports that on June 6th, 2026, Knox County E-911 requested that the Barbourville Police Department and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office be on the lookout for a vehicle that was involved in a domestic violence situation and that the occupants were inside the vehicle.

Patrolman Matthew Warren located the suspect vehicle on Manchester Street and attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, activating his emergency lights and sirens. The vehicle failed to stop going North on US 25E at a high rate of speed and continued on into Laurel County onto HWY 312.

While on HWY 312, Officers with the Barbourville Police Department attempted an authorized low-speed box in of the suspect vehicle to bring it to a stop.

Once the vehicle came to a rest and officers approached the vehicle, it was determined that three individuals inside the vehicle had apparent gunshot wounds and were deceased.

According to Laurel County Coroner Doug Bowling, 21-year-old James Priddy of Knox County shot and killed 19-year-old Lila Asher and 18-year-old Jadeance Hale before committing su***de.

Chief Townsley requested the assistance of the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office in investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident.

In addition to Barbourville Police Department Patrolmen Matthew Warren, Chase Henson, Bryce Bays and Barbourville Police Chief Adam Townsley, assistance was provided on scene by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, the Laurel County Sheriff's Office, the Corbin Police Department, First Responders from Knox & Laurel County and the Kentucky State Police.

A joint investigation is ongoing into the circumstances surrounding and leading up to this incident by the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, and the Barbourville Police Department Assistant Chief Eric Martin and Sergeant Karl Middleton.

Chief Adam Townsley and the City of Barbourville would like to send condolences to the families involved in this tragic event and ask the community to come together in support of the families involved. All officers involved have been offered Volunteer Chaplain Services due to this incident.

06/05/2026

🚨🚔Come see us today from 10-2 at Barbourville Walmart 🚨🚔

🚨🚔🚨🚔Save the Date🚨🚔🚨🚔
June 5th, 2026
10AM-2PM

06/01/2026

🚨🚔🚨🚔Save the Date🚨🚔🚨🚔
June 5th, 2026
10AM-2PM

05/29/2026

05/23/2026

The Barbourville Police Department is requesting the public's assistance in locating the following dirt bike which was stolen from the porch of a residence on First Street.

Any information given will remain anonymous. Please get in touch with the Barbourville Police Department at 606-546-3441 or by messaging this page. The investigation is ongoing by PTL. Chase Henson and SGT. Karl Middleton

05/15/2026

On May 14th 2026, Barbourville City Councilman Jacob Rose stopped by the Barbourville Police Department and provided officers with a snack showing his appreciation to our officers during National Police Week.

05/15/2026

On May 14th 2026, The Barbourville Police Department and Mayor David Thompson are pleased to announce two promotion’s within the ranks of the department which include:

Patrolman Karl Middleton to the rank of Sergeant.

Sgt. Middleton has shown outstanding dedication, strong work ethic, and leadership throughout his service with the department. His commitment to the City of Barbourville and specializing in drug related investigations has earned the respect of both fellow officers and the citizens of Barbourville.

Additionally, Sgt. Eric Martin has been promoted to the position of Assistant Chief.

Assistant Chief Martin has consistently displayed exceptional leadership, experience, and dedication to the mission of the department. Martin has served as the departments Supply Sergeant and K9 Officer for several years, His years of service and commitment to the City of Barbourville makes him well suited for this important leadership role.

The officer’s of the Barbourville Police Department congratulates both officers and looks forward to their continued service and leadership.

05/12/2026

Chief Adam Townsley reports, on May 12, 2026 the Barbourville Police Department alongside the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Mayor David Thompson, Knox County Detention Center, Barbourville Fire Department, Knox County Attorney Gilbert Holland, Barbourville Street Department, and Kentucky Department of Community Based Services received training from the Kentucky Autism Training Center.

The purpose of the training was to sharpen local first responders' ability to identify characteristics of Autism while learning ways of professionally communicating and understanding the Autism community.

This important training helps ensure our officers are better equipped to serve individuals with autism and their families with understanding, compassion, and professionalism. All agencies involved remain committed to building stronger relationships and providing the best possible service to Knox County and the City of Barbourville.