Man arrested after car chase, shots fired

Here in Webster County we are not used to police chases and shootings, but that was exactly what Clay and Dixon area residents witnessed last night, Tuesday February 25, 2014.

 At approximately 6:10 p.m., Kentucky State Police Post 2 received a call for assistance from the Webster County Sheriff’s Department and the Clay Police Department of a complaint that shots were fired into a residence in Clay, KY.

 Upon the arrival of law enforcement, the perpetrator returned to the residence, striking a deputy with his vehicle and firing additional shots into the residence. At this time, officers discharged their firearms at the perpetrator, striking his vehicle. 

Officers initiated pursuit as the vehicle fled the scene. The perpetrator, Tommy R. Branson, age 61, of Sebree, was taken into custody without incident on KY 132 near Dixon when witnesses say his vehicle had a flat tire.

 The Webster County Deputy struck during the incident was treated and released at Baptist Health in Madisonville.

Mr. Branson was charged with the following:

•4 counts of “Attempted Murder.”

•1 count of “Attempted Murder (Police Officer).”

•1 count of “Assault-1st Degree.”

•1 count of “Wanton Endangerment-1st Degree.”

•1 count of “Criminal Mischief-1st Degree.”

•1 count of “Tampering with Physical Evidence.”

•1 count of “Fleeing/Evading Police-1st Degree.”

The incident is under investigation by the Kentucky State Police-post 2/Madisonville. The Kentucky State Police was assisted by the Webster County Sheriff’s Office, Clay Police Department, and Webster County EMS.

Branson was in the news last summer for another incident. He was arrested and charged with arson following a fire on Starl Shelton Road near Sebree. On Tuesday, October 8, 2013 Branson appeared before a Webster County Grand Jury for that charge. The jury requested the matter be dismissed because “insufficient evidence was presented to warrant an indictment.”