HAROLD, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Pike County man is facing a felony charge in Floyd County after allegedly threatening to kill a deputy during an arrest tied to a domestic violence complaint.
According to an arrest citation, Floyd County deputies were called to a home on Barn Branch last Wednesday for a reported domestic dispute. A woman at the residence told deputies her boyfriend, 65-year-old Richie Ward of Elkhorn City, grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her, causing her mouth to be struck.
Authorities say Ward admitted to grabbing the woman but said he did not recall whether he made contact. He was taken into custody at the scene.
The citation states that while being placed into a patrol vehicle, Ward allegedly pulled away and made multiple threats toward the arresting deputy. He is accused of threatening to kill the deputy and harm the deputy’s family, including setting their home on fire. Ward also allegedly claimed ties to a motorcycle gang.
Ward is charged with second-degree terroristic threatening, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. He also faces misdemeanor charges of fourth-degree assault and resisting arrest.
