Hopkinsville Chief of Police Jason Newby issued a public statement to media Monday morning, discussing criminal release from local courts while referencing an on-going investigation in Christian County.
It reads as such:
Many citizens want to know why crime continues to thrive in Hopkinsville.
Officers with the Hopkinsville Police Department continue to put themselves in harm’s way to protect our citizens; however, we cannot successfully do this alone.
For example, as previously reported on June 17, the Hopkinsville Police Department arrested 19-year-old Dynarian Day for a number of offenses, including felony fleeing and evading police in a motor vehicle.
After disregarding stop signs, speeding, going the wrong way on Ft. Campbell Boulevard and damaging two police cruisers — and then fleeing on foot — he was finally caught and lodged in the Christian County Jail.
After doing all this, placing officers and the public in danger of serious injury, he was released the same day on his own recognizance.
This lack of assistance from our judges should not be acceptable from anyone in our community.
As the chief of the Hopkinsville Police Department, I am publicly asking the judges for their help in keeping those that endanger our community in jail.
I understand not everyone that is arrested can remain in jail. However, when it comes to releasing those that display this type of behavior with no regard for the safety of others back into the community on their own recognizance — the very same day of their offense — it is not acceptable.
Our officers are doing all they can to serve and protect. We are simply asking for help from the justice system.
