Shots Fired In Domestic Incident Leads to Arrests

Edmonson Voice Report:
A mother and son were arrested after a domestic incident where law enforcement reported gunfire that escalated into a pursuit, according to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

At approximately 6:30 pm on December 17, 2021, the Edmonson County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the 900 block of Ellis Cole Road for an active domestic disturbance involving an impaired man in the yard with a handgun, threatening to shoot people. When law enforcement arrived on scene, they made contact with a witness who identified the suspect as Kenneth Buchanan (50) of Bowling Green, the Sheriff's Office said. According to law enforcement, the individual stated Buchanan had shot twice at individuals and then left in a black Nissan Rogue, driven by his mother, Barbara Buchanan (75), also of Bowling Green. The individuals on scene had reason to believe the Buchanan’s were heading towards Spinks Cemetery Road. the Sheriff's Office said.

Law Enforcement reportedly spotted a vehicle around the 4500 block of Wingfield Church Road that matched the description given by the witness on scene at the domestic disturbance. An Edmonson County Sheriff’s deputy activated his blue lights to conduct a traffic stop near the intersection of Wingfield Church Road and Spinks Cemetery Road where the vehicle allegedly stopped at first but then accelerated down Spinks Cemetery Road where a pursuit of the vehicle was initiated by law enforcement. The pursuit continued down Spinks Cemetery Road until it reached a residential driveway where the vehicle abruptly stopped beside of a house, the Sheriff's Office stated. Three occupants were located inside the vehicle; the driver was identified as Barbara Buchanan, the front passenger was identified as Kenneth Buchanan, and in the backseat was a 14-year-old juvenile, according to law enforcement.

Kenneth Buchanan allegedly smelled strongly of alcoholic beverages and exhibited signs of intoxication, and a suspected marijuana pipe was located on his person, the Sheriff's Office said. K. Buchanan reportedly admitted to firing a shotgun at the residence on Ellis Cole Road during the domestic disturbance, and two shotgun waddings were located at the scene, that were consistent with witness and Buchanan’s statements. Inside the vehicle, law enforcement reportedly discovered three firearms: two loaded, and one not loaded.

Kenneth Buchanan was arrested on scene and charged with:

• Wanton Endangerment—1st Degree
• Alcohol Intoxication in a Public Place (1st and 2nd offense)
• Possession of Open Alcoholic Beverage Container in Motor Vehicle Prohibited
• Drug Paraphernalia—Buy/Possess (enhancement)
• 9 Separate Counts of Wanton Endangerment—1st Degree (victims range in age from 3 to 61 years old)

Barbara Buchanan was arrested on scene and charged with:

• Fleeing or Evading Police, 1st Degree (motor vehicle)
• Endangering the Welfare of a Minor
• Operating Vehicle with Expired Operator’s License

The juvenile passenger was released on scene to the custody of his father.

Both were lodged in Hart County Jail.

Edmonson County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Brownsville City Police.

The Edmonson County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Winfield Volunteer Fire Department for their assistance at a non-injury collision scene that occurred during the time law enforcement was searching for Kenneth Buchanan.