BARBOURVILLE, KY - The Knox County Sheriff's Department is reporting that on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at approximately 9:45 P.M., Knox County Deputies were dispatched to a domestic disturbance involving two brothers at a residence on KY 229 north of Barbourville.
Deputies had responded on two previous complaints at the residence earlier that night, but were unable to locate 47-year-old Dewayne Swafford of Barbourville, who had assaulted his brother and set fire to the front porch in an attempt to burn the residence.
When deputies arrived on the third complaint they observed Swafford standing in a yard across the road from the residence.
When Sgt. Bobby Jones exited his vehicle, Swafford fled on foot into a wooded area, at which time deputies gave chase.
KSP Troopers and Barbourville City Officers also responded to the scene and assisted in the search of the wooded area.
Swafford was located hiding in the woods utilizing a drone aircraft.
Dewayne Swafford was arrested and charged with:
- Arson-1st Degree
- Assault-4th Degree
- Fleeing or Evading Police-2nd Degree
- Criminal Mischief-3rd Degree
- Alcohol Intoxication in a Public Place
Swafford was also wanted on a Knox County Bench Warrant for a Probation Violation
Dewayne Swafford was also wanted on a Felony Fugitive Warrant from the state of Georgia.
This individual was lodged in the Knox County Detention Center.
Photo of the accused is courtesy of the Knox County Detention Center.
