Published: June 25, 2009 10:07 am      

Keavy man accused of fighting deputies

Laurel County Sheriff’s deputies responding to a domestic dispute in Keavy Sunday had to wrestle with and then taze a man before taking him into custody.

Charles W. Howard, 48, faces multiple charges after the incident.

Deputy Joey Vicini sand Deputy Jerry Jones were called about 7:10 p.m. to 794 Earl Howard Road, where Sherry Rhine, Howard’s niece, had allegedly been punched by Howard.

Rhine said Howard had fled to his home next door, so deputies knocked repeatedly on Howard’s door.

“He did not respond, yet we could hear him walking inside and saw the blinds moving up and down from a distance,” Vicini said.

Deputies left the scene, but kept the property under surveillance, eventually seeing Howard walking around his driveway. As deputies returned, Vicini said Howard ran back toward the mobile home, this time with two rifles in his hands.

Vicini said he jumped out of his car, drew his weapon and ordered Howard to drop the rifles, which he did after about 30 seconds. After setting them on the ground and turning around, Howard allegedly pulled a pistol from the back of his pants.

Vicini said Howard continued to resist as deputies attempted to handcuff him, so Jones used his Taser. Howard was secured in handcuffs and taken into custody.

Howard was charged with fourth-degree assault, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting arrest, public intoxication — controlled substance, first-degree wanton endangerment of a police officer, carrying a concealed deadly weapon and first-degree fleeing or evading police and lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center.

Staff writer Dean Manning may be reached at dmanning@sentinel-echo.com.