Officers arrest Hopkinsville man for robbery, assault

Officers from the Hopkinsville Police Department arrested 32-year-old Tyler Smith of Hopkinsville after he reportedly assaulted a victim, took their personal belongings and fled from police early Wednesday morning.

According to a report from police, officers were dispatched to a residence on Recovery Drive in reference to an arrest warrant for Smith. When officers arrived at the residence, they were advised by the victim that Smith had just left.

The victim also reportedly shared that Smith had been physically abusing them. Before he left the residence, Smith had reportedly punched the victim multiple times causing visible marks and knots. When the victim attempted to escape Smith allegedly blocked a bedroom doorway preventing them from leaving.

When Smith left the residence, he reportedly took a purse from the victim that contained her personal belongings.

In a separate report, officers shared that Smith’s vehicle was seen traveling on Cayce Avenue and when officers initiated a traffic stop Smith reportedly fled. The pursuit continued down Cayce Avenue, down Avalon Hills and to East Seventh Street before going onto Butler Road. 

Officers attempted to use their cruisers to box Smith in, with speeds reaching around 75 miles per hour, and he reportedly tried to go around officers, almost causing a collision. 

Eventually, Smith came to a stop in the 8000 block of Butler and fled on foot, where K9 units were able to locate him hiding in some woods. 

Smith was taken into custody and to Jennie Stuart Medical Center for a K9 bite, before he was taken to the Christian County Jail. A search of the vehicle reportedly revealed a purse belonging to the initial theft victim.

Smith was charged with second-degree robbery, first-degree unlawful imprisonment, fourth-degree assault for domestic violence, first-degree wanton endangerment of a police officer, receiving stolen property, two counts of first-degree fleeing or evading police, possession of drug paraphernalia and numerous traffic violations. 

Story written by Dionte Berry and Hannah Hageman