Hazard, KY (November 3, 2016) – A Perry County man was arrested early Thursday morning after an hours long barricade confrontation with Kentucky State Police. Troopers were initially called to a residence on Greenbriar Court, off of Lower Second Creek Road in the Bonnyman community, for a disturbance complaint.
Callers advised that 29 year old Joshua Neace of Bonnyman was shooting in the neighborhood, causing safety concerns in the area. Responding Troopers were unable to locate Neace at that time.
At approximately 10:03, another call came in stating that Josh Neace was at his residence on Greenbriar Court, causing another disturbance.
Upon arrival, Troopers contacted a female, who advised that Neace was inside a mobile home, armed with a handgun. Several attempts were made to get Josh Neace outside to speak with Troopers, but he refused to comply.
Troopers on the scene advised that Neace made verbal threats to them, then shots were heard coming from inside the residence. At that time, neighbors were evacuated from the scene for safety purposes. At one point Neace came to the front door with the handgun and exchanged gunfire with Troopers. No one was injured during this specific incident. Neace continued to fire the gun from inside the residence over the course of several hours.
KSP’s Special Response Team was activated and responded to the scene. By the utilization of a form of tear gas into the mobile home, Josh Neace was forced to come outside. He initially resisted arrest, but complied after SRT personnel utilized their Tasers to end his aggression. The confrontation ended at approximately 3:14 a.m.
Josh Neace was transported to Hazard Appalachian Regional Hospital for medical clearance, before being lodged in the Kentucky River Regional Jail. He has been initially charged with Attempted Murder of a Police Officer. Additional charges are likely to follow as the investigation continues.
Troopers Ronnie Long and Matt Gayheart have been placed on leave for direct involvement in the gunfire, which is common procedure in a shooting incident. Long is a 22 year veteran with KSP, while Gayheart has been a Trooper for 3 years.
Lieutenant Chris Hollan with KSP Post 9 in Pikeville is conducting this investigation.
