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Infrared Imaging System Utilized by SRT in Southeast Kentucky during Stand-off & Capture of Suspect in Murder of a Manchester Man / Search Continues for Alleged Accomplice

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LONDON, KY (December 23, 2020) - Laurel County Sheriff John Root along with the Southeast Regional Special Response Team (SRT) led by Team Leader Detective Richard Dalrymple and Lieut. Chris Edwards, Crisis Negotiator for the Laurel Sheriff's office along with LSO deputies & multiple police agencies successfully and safely arrested Robert Brandon Gray age 39 of Keavy, KY on Wednesday afternoon December 23, 2020 at approximately 3:15 P.M.

The arrest occurred at a residence off West City Dam Road approximately 10 miles southwest of London after information was developed that murder suspects were possibly at a relative's  home there.

The Laurel County Sheriff's office were seeking two suspects allegedly involved in the murder of Jeremy Caldwell age 32 of Manchester, Kentucky which occurred off Highway 490 at Highway 1376 across from a business parking lot approximately 5 miles north of London on Sunday afternoon December 20, 2020 at approximately 2:00 PM.

The two suspects fled the scene in a silver Pontiac G6 after the fatal shooting.

The two suspects being sought were:

Robert Brandon Gray age 39 of City Dam Road, Keavy, KY wanted on:

  • A Murder charge

Ashley B. Lewis age 30 of Four Oaks Road, East Bernstadt, KY wanted for:

  • Complicity to commit Murder

Laurel County Sheriff John Root, Detectives and Deputies responded to the location they had developed information on, and the suspect.

The suspect attempted to flee out a back window, but ran back inside the residence and would not come out.

Lieut. Chris Edwards attempted communication with the suspect with a phone system deployed by the sheriff’s office, however, the suspect would not exit.

The regional SRT was activated to respond to the scene at approx. 11:00 A.M.

SRT deployed several tactics in an attempt to get the suspect to come out, however, the suspect failed to exit the residence.

An infrared imaging system was requested from West Knox Volunteer Fire Department and SRT utilized that equipment to locate the suspect in the attic of the residence.

SRT entered the attic area where they successfully and safely arrested the suspect.

ROBERT GRAY

Robert Brandon Gray (Laurel County Correctional Center)

Robert Brandon Gray was charged with:

  • Murder
  • Fleeing or evading Police on Foot
  • Resisting Arrest

This individual was lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center.

Assisting for the Laurel County Sheriff's office was Detective Richard Dalrymple who led the regional special response team with team members from:

  • Corbin P.D.
  • Barbourville P.D.
  • Mt. Vernon P.D.
  • Williamsburg P.D.
  • Knox County Sheriff’s Office
  • Laurel County Sheriff’s Office

Also assisting for the Laurel Sheriff's office was:

  • Laurel County Sheriff John Root
  • Capt. Robbie Grimes
  • Lieut. Chris Edwards
  • Sgt. Brett Reeves
  • Detective Robert Reed (case officer)
  • Detective Taylor McDaniel
  • Detective James Sizemore
  • Detective Bryon Lawson
  • A large contingent of Laurel County Sheriff’s Deputies

Other agencies assisting at the scene included:

  • Kentucky State Police
  • London City Police
  • Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County
  • West Knox Volunteer Fire Department

*Note: The search continues for Ashley Lewis Ashley B. Lewis age 30 of Four Oaks Road, East Bernstadt, KY.

Ashley Lewis

Ashley B. Lewis

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Ashley Lewis Ashley B. Lewis is wanted for "Complicity To Commit Murder".

Sheriff John Root (left) stated:

“It was a great group effort which ended textbook perfect with no neighbors, bystanders, officers or the accused injured.”

To report a tip call 606-864-6600 or 606-878-7000

Facebook: Laurel County Sheriff's Office

Email: 

Information will be strictly confidential.


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