Knox Co. man accused of assaulting, kidnapping two people

KNOX COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – Authorities in Knox County say a Barbourville man broke into a home, got into a fight with the people inside then kidnapped them.

The Knox County Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded to a call about a burglary, assault and kidnapping at a home on HWY 459 near Walker Park on Friday, July 6 around 8:05 a.m.

Investigators say 29-year-old Rickie Keith Ledford broke through the door of the home at around 4 a.m. and started fighting with the man and woman inside.

They say the woman, who they identified as Ledford’s ex-girlfriend, was hit in the head with a handgun.

Deputies say Ledford then forced them both to take him to his mother’s home on School Street in Barbourville.

He then let the man go.

Deputies say the man immediately called 911.

When they arrived at the home on School Street, deputies say they found Ledford hiding in a bedroom closet, armed with a handgun.

They were able to take him into custody.

The woman was taken to the hospital to be treated for her injuries.

Ledford is charged with burglary, assault, unlawful imprisonment, criminal mischief, possession of handgun by convicted felon, possession of controlled substance-1st Degree and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Courtesy: Knox County Sheriff’s Office