LONDON, KY (June 8, 2023) - Laurel County Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Laurel Sheriff's Detective Taylor McDaniel arrested two subjects off Curry Road, approximately 12 miles east of London on Wednesday morning June 7, 2023 at approximately 9:56 A.M.
The arrests occurred after detectives and deputies were dispatched to a complaint of a male subject allegedly illegally utilizing utilities from a utility company in the area there.
The complainant advised that the last time contact was made with the subject there that he had allegedly been armed with a gun.
When investigators arrived at the scene, they made contact with 3 subjects, two which fled on foot.
Following a short foot pursuit, one male suspect briefly struggled with deputies while attempting to reach for a firearm on his right hip, the suspect was taken into custody. It was determined that he was a convicted felon. He was identified as Dennis Burkhart.
The other subject that fled was not immediately located. However, He was apprehended by Deputy Josh Velasco later Wednesday on an unrelated complaint back in the same area. He is identified as Jody Roark.
Roark fled from Deputy Velasco and following a foot chase the suspect briefly struggled with Deputy Velasco before being taken into custody.
He was being sought on a case investigated by Deputy Brad Mink (case officer) and Sgt. Brett Reeves where Roark allegedly broke into the East 80 Grocery on May 30, 2023.
Roark was observed on surveillance video forcing entry to the store causing damage to the store. Roark then fled with money stolen from the store.
An investigation was conducted on the third subject that did not flee who was determined to be under the influence and found in possession of suspected Methamphetamine. He was identified as Jonathan Wagers.
All 3 individuals were determined to be wanted on outstanding warrants. The 3 arrested individuals were identified as: Dennis Burkhart age 47 of BW Lane, London,KY, Jody Roark age 43 of Garrad in Clay County, KY and Jonathan Wagers age 42 of Curry Rd., London, KY.
L to R: Dennis Burkhart, Jody Roark and Jonathan Wagers
Dennis Burkhart was charged with:
- Fleeing or evading police – first-degree – on foot
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Resisting arrest
In addition, this subject was charged on a Clay Circuit Court indictment warrant of arrest charging:
- Theft by unlawful taking
- Fleeing or evading police – first-degree – motor vehicle
- Criminal trespassing – second-degree
Burkhart was also charged on a Leslie District Court bench warrant of arrest charging:
- Nonpayment of fines regarding a traffic offense
Also, the subject was charged on a Laurel District Court bench warrant of arrest charging:
- Failure to appear in court on charges of numerous registration and insurance violations
Jody Roark was charged with:
- Fleeing or evading police – second-degree – on foot
In addition, this subject was charged on a Laurel District Court complaint warrant of arrest obtained by Deputy Brad Mink charging:
- Burglary – third-degree
- Criminal mischief – first-degree
Also, the subject was charged on a Clay District Court bench warrant of arrest charging:
- Failure to appear in court
In addition, Roark was charged on a Clay District Court bench warrant of arrest charging failure to appear on charges of:
- Flagrant nonsupport
Jonathan Wagers was charged with:
- Possession of a controlled substance – first-degree – first offense – Methamphetamine
- Public intoxication – controlled substances
In addition, this individual was also charged on a Laurel District Court bench warrant of arrest charging failure to appear in court on charges of:
- Public intoxication – controlled substances
These 3 individuals were lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center.
Photos of accused attached are courtesy of the Laurel County Correctional Center.
Also assisting at the scene were: Laurel Sheriff's Detective Jake Miller, Detective Robert Reed, Deputy Allen Turner, Deputy Brad Mink, and Deputy Hunter Disney.
Assisting on the arrest of Jody Roark was K-9/Shift Sgt. Gary Mehler.
