ARJAY, KY - The Bell County KY Sheriff's Department is reporting that: A short time before 3:30 P.M on Sunday, July 9, 2023, there was a single vehicle accident with injuries in the Arjay community on Highway 66 at the 9 mile marker.
First responders including Bell County Deputy Samson Churchwell, Bell County Volunteer Firefighters, Bell EMS and Constable Keith Cox, arrived on scene to find a black Hyundai Elantra on its top in a ditch line.
Deputy Churchwell made contact with the driver 45-year-old Steve Vernon Warren of Arjay who claimed a deer had run out in front of him. While talking with him, the deputy states he observed that Warren was unsteady on his feet and was exhibiting signs of intoxication.
The deputy then administered standard field sobriety tests which determined Warren was manifestly under the influence of a controlled substance. Warren was then placed under arrest.
After being taken into custody and in the back of the deputy's cruiser, Warren continuously attempted to remove his handcuffs. After being warned multiple times, and in order to bring him into compliance, Deputy Churchwell had to use OC spray on Warren.
More OC spray was administered as Warren refused to stop trying to remove the handcuffs.
Prior to being entered into the Bell County Detention Center, Warren was told he would have to be medically cleared. During this time he became combative, tried to exit the vehicle, and tried to kick the deputy multiple times. Deputy Churchwell then deployed his taser three times on Warren, which had no effect.
During the struggle he kicked the deputy in the head.
After gaining control of Warren and placing him back in his vehicle, Deputy Churchwell transported Warren to Pineville Community Health Center where he continued to be combative fighting the deputy and hospital staff.
After being cleared he was transported back to the Bell County Detention Center where he was booked and charged.
Steve Warren was charged with:
- Wanton endangerment - 1st degree
- Operating a vehicle on a suspended license
- Operating a motor vehicle under the influence
- Disorderly conduct
- No seat belt
- Assault 3rd degree - police officer
This individual was lodged in the Bell County Detention Center.
Photo of the accused is courtesy of the Bell County Detention Center.
