Rockcastle County semi crash on I-75 leads to hazardous spill

ROCKCASTLE COUNTY, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — Lanes on I-75 southbound were shut down for hours Tuesday night following a crash involving two semi trucks, one of which was carrying hazardous materials. According to the Mount Vernon Fire Department, the collision happened near mile marker 71. Emergency crews from multiple agencies responded to the scene to help contain the…

Large police presence in store parking lot off Elkhorn Rd

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — Lexington police say a suspect is in custody following a large law enforcement response late Tuesday night at a shopping center near Elkhorn Road and Winchester Road. According to officials, officers made contact with a vehicle that was wanted in connection to an ongoing investigation. Police say the driver was not complying with…

Angels for Axel: Florida state troopers step in to support Kentucky family in need

ST. PETERSBURG, FL. (ABC 36 News Now) — Nearly 900 miles away from their home in Kentucky, a young family’s worst nightmare is unfolding in Florida. Bailey and Sasha Combs, from Hueysville, were vacationing in the Tampa Bay area with their sons — two-year-old Axel and one-year-old Bennett — when their oldest son, Axel, suddenly became very sick. “Axel had…

Unsettled weather kicks in to close out April

Rain and storm chances will be on the table the next few days

It was a mild and dry start to Tuesday across Central and Eastern Kentucky but it didn’t stay that way for long. An approaching cold front triggered scattered showers and thunderstorms by the afternoon with more expected to develop into the evening hours. While not everyone will see severe weather, some storms could pack a punch especially with damaging winds being…

Two first-time trainers in the Kentucky Derby this year

Ethan West and Lonnie Briley will make their Derby debuts

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW)- Ethan West and Lonnie Briley are separated by 40 years of age, but they are both on even ground this 151st Kentucky Derby week. The pair are this year’s first timers taking part in the race. Both have a lot to be happy about heading into a week both say is unlike any other they’ve…

Asmussen aiming for first Kentucky Derby win

Hall of Fame trainer has started over 25 horses in the Derby

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW)- Hall of Fame horse trainer Steve Asmussen is in search of his first Kentucky Derby win this year and it’s been that way for awhile. For the 151st Derby, he has two contenders at 20-1 odds. That’s Tiztastic and Publisher, the latter of which hasn’t broken his maiden. Both horses will start the race next…

Three more arrested in Step Ahead daycare abuse investigation, bringing total to nine

RICHMOND, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The number of arrests tied to the ongoing investigation into alleged abuse at Step Ahead Daycare in Richmond has climbed to nine. According to Richmond Police, Amanda Spears was taken into custody late last week. On Monday, two more individuals were arrested in connection with the case: Amaris Hamilton, charged with wanton endangerment, and…

Franklin County missing teenager

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Frankfort Police are asking for the public’s help locating a missing teenager last seen Monday morning near Franklin County High School. According to the department, 18-year-old Astrid Gutierrez Montoy was last seen around 11 a.m. in the area of the school. She is described as 5 feet 2 inches tall, weighing approximately 160 pounds,…

Richmond woman identified as victim in deadly I-75 crash

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The Fayette County Coroner’s Office has identified the woman killed in a crash early Sunday morning on I-75 in Lexington. According to a press release from the coroner, 22-year-old Liczi Lopez of Richmond died from multiple blunt force traumatic injuries following a motor vehicle collision. Her death has been ruled an accident. Lopez was…

Officer involved shooting under investigation at Berea Walmart

BEREA, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — An investigation is underway after an early morning officer-involved shooting at the Walmart in Berea. According to the Berea Police Department, officers were called to the store to investigate a stolen vehicle. When officers tried to make contact with the driver, officials say the driver put the vehicle in reverse, hitting an officer and…

Severe storm threat on Tuesday

Strong-to-severe storms are in the forecast Tuesday afternoon and evening

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – It’s a warm and quiet start to your Tuesday across central and eastern Kentucky, but all eyes are on the potential for strong-to-severe storms later today. The ABC 36 Storm Team is tracking a potent cold front moving in from the west, bringing with it the risk for damaging wind gusts, heavy rain,…

One dead in tragic Laurel County house fire

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Authorities have identified the man found dead after a devastating house fire in northern Laurel County. According to the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, 66-year-old Stanley Crisp was discovered inside the remains of a burned home on Patton Road, north of London. The fire was reported early Monday morning. Emergency crews responded quickly and…

Two, including fire chief, facing charges of theft and abuse of public trust

PERRY COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Two people have been indicted and arrested following an investigation into alleged misuse of fire department funds in Perry County. According to police, James Farris, the chief of the Jakes Branch Fire Department, and his girlfriend, Sharla Stacy, are facing charges of theft by unlawful taking and abuse of public trust. Investigators say…

False alarm at a Montgomery County school

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A false alarm at Camargo Elementary School prompted a lockdown Monday, according to Montgomery County Schools officials. District officials say the lockdown was triggered when a student repeatedly pressed a staff member’s CENTEGIX badge, which is used to alert authorities during emergencies. Emergency protocols were activated, and the building was placed on lockdown…

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers open to help Kentuckians impacted by April floods

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Gov. Andy Beshear announced that FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are now open in eight of the 13 counties approved for Individual Assistance following April’s severe flooding. According to the release, families in Anderson, Butler, Carroll, Christian, Clark, Franklin, Hardin, Hopkins, Jessamine, McCracken, Mercer, Owen and Woodford counties can visit any Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)…

Warm air returns along with an active weather pattern

Strong to severe storms may be possible late Tuesday

It was a picture-perfect start to the final days of April across Central and Eastern Kentucky! Sunshine and southwest winds helped send our afternoon temperatures soaring into the low 80s — several degrees above average for this time of year. Hopefully you found a little time to get outside and enjoy it, because the weather will take a much more…

Man arrested on murder charges in Prestonsburg

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A man wanted for murder is now behind bars after being arrested over the weekend. According to the Floyd County Jail, Larry Johnson was taken into custody Saturday and charged with murder. Kentucky State Police say Johnson allegedly shot and killed 48-year-old Steven Adkins during a fight near the Auxier Bridge. Investigators say…

One dead in boat crash on Lake Cumberland

WAYNE COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A man from northern Kentucky has died after a boating crash on Lake Cumberland. According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, 59-year-old John Bezold of California, Kentucky, was killed when the fishing boat he was in crashed Sunday night in the White Oak Creek area. Officials say the investigation into what caused the…

One arrested, another wanted after high-speed chase in Laurel County

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office says one woman is in custody and another suspect is still on the run after a pursuit Friday on Interstate 75. Deputies say they arrested Taylor Markwell but are still searching for Brandon Woods. Investigators say the pursuit started when a deputy attempted a traffic stop, but the…