Graves County, Ky.–A Lynnville man is lodged in the Graves County Jail after a standoff with police in the woods. Thomas Paul Erickson, age 61, had been reported missing by his family Thursday night.
On Thursday evening April 23, 2020 at approximately 10PM, Graves Sheriff’s deputies along with the Kentucky State Police were dispatched to a rural southern Graves County home near the Lynnville area on the report that Erickson was missing.
Family reported Erickson of Farm Road had gone turkey hunting on foot and never returned home. The family was concerned due to possible health issues.
The Cuba Fire Department, Graves County Emergency Management, Graves County Rescue Squad and others responded to assist in the search for the missing man. Numerous sheriff’s deputies, troopers, fire department personnel, and others combed the wooded areas and open fields on foot and also utilizing ATV’s in attempts to locate the missing man.
After an approximate five-hour search of the wooded areas and open fields, searchers located Erickson in a dense thicket, only to find him armed with a semi automatic handgun. He then began threatening to shoot and pointed the handgun at the emergency responders.
Sheriff’s personnel then began an approximate 30 minute dialog and negotiation with the man, during which he pointed the handgun at officers’ numerous times. At approximately 3:15 a.m., the man was disarmed and taken into custody. He was found to be intoxicated, and under the influence of medication.
Arrested: Erickson, Thomas P. age 61 of Farm Road
Charges: 1st Degree Wanton Endangerment
Menacing
Alcohol Intoxication
Public Intoxication
Terroristic Threatening 3rd Degree
He refused medical treatment and was later transported and lodged at the Graves County Jail.