LONDON, KY - Laurel County Sheriff John Root is reporting that: On Monday, May 20th, 2024 the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, London City Police and Kentucky State Police provided assistance to the United States Marshals Service – Central Kentucky Fugitive Task Force (CKFTF) London Office, in the apprehension of a Federal fugitive from Virginia.
The USMS CKFTF attempted to take Byron Howard age 71 into custody in the Keavy area of Laurel County.
Howard led the USMS CKFTF on a pursuit that ended when Howard left the roadway and hit a tree on Moberly Bend Rd., 10 miles southwest of London.
This subject then fired 2 shots at police before surrendering peacefully. Howard was treated by Laurel County EMS for cardiac issues and was transported to Baptist Hospital in Corbin for further treatment.
The Laurel Sheriff’s Office is conducting the crime scene investigation with the help of the Corbin Police Dept.
Byron Howard was charged by the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office with:
- 5 counts of attempted murder of a police officer
- Wanton endangerment 1st degree
- Burglary 3rd degree
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
** Original charges from Virginia were Federal charges of:
- Possession of Methamphetamine in a National Park
- Possession of a Handgun in a National Park
This individual will be lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center upon his release from the hospital.
Photo of accused is courtesy of arresting officers.
