08/03/2026
KNOX COUNTY KY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
On Sunday, July 26, 2026, at approximately 11:50 pm Knox County Deputy Thomas Martin responded to a complaint of people cutting wire along KY 225 near the Warren Camp area. When Deputy Martin arrived, he saw three men run into the woods. Deputy Martin also observed a maroon Cadillac parked at the location with a large quantity of copper wire that belonged to Windstream hanging out of the trunk. Deputy Martin was able to apprehend one of the suspects hiding in the woods,
Jerry D Owens age 50 of Pineville, KY. was arrested and charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition-over $10,000 and Criminal Mischeif-1st Degree. Jerry Owens was also wanted on
a Bell County Bench Warrant for failure to appear on Trafficking in Controlled Substance-1st Degree and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia charges. He was lodged in the Knox County Detention Center.
The investigation is continuing by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. The other two suspects that ran into the woods have been identified and arrest warrants have been obtained.
On Thursday, July 23, 2026 Knox County Sheriff Mike Smith along with deputies responded to a report of copper wire belonging to Windstream being stolen in the Trosper area. While searching the vicinity, a large amount of cut wire was located hidden in the wood line near KY 225
During the investigation into the theft, a suspect was identified.
On Tuesday, July 28, 2026, Kyle Hammons age 35 of Scalf, KY was arrested and charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition-over $10,000. The tools used to cut the wire was also found in his vehicle.
Kyle Hammons was also wanted on a Knox County Arrest Warrant for Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition-shoplifting. He was lodged in the Knox County Detention Center.